– Tom Uytterhoeven –
This photo has been around for a few years (at least from 2010), but I only discovered it recently.
Three remarks: (1) Obviously, this comes from a conflict perspective on the relation between science and religion/theology (see e.g.: http://rationalcrank.blogspot.be/2010/03/each-of-people-in-this-picture-has.html), which is unfortunate. Is this why the artist left out someone as Georges Lemaître?
(2) Maybe because it wants to show science as replacing religion/theology, the picture draws comments that suggest there are some problems regarding the ‘canon of science’ (see e.g. http://culturepopped.blogspot.be/2010/04/scientests-last-supper.html). Someone like Mary Midgley would probably see the irony in that.
(3) The creator of the picture states that: ” Each of the people in this picture has accomplished more for humanity then any of the guys in that other painting.” As far as our knowledge about the world goes, I agree. But as far as using that knowledge for the benefit of humanity, and for the benefit of our planet? I think that’s precisely when we would need to turn back to the original painting, or maybe – because our world is more pluralistic than Da Vinci’s – paint a third “Last Supper”. The version of Spanish artist José Manuel Ballester might inspire us for that one.
Weekly Gardening 