A common assumption in modern debate is that religious and scientific thinking are polar opposites. Strident secularists like Richard Dawkins decree that you're either on the side of God or the side of reason. But is this a false choice? Could there be truth within both science and religion?

The Irish Times Unthinkable Debate was held recently in the Paccar Theatre, Science Gallery Dublin to mark the publication of Unthinkable: Great Ideas for Now by Joe Humphreys.

The subject for debate was "Are science and religion really in conflict?" and the participants on the evening were:

William Reville, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry and Public Awareness of Science Officer at University College Cork

Dr Siobhán Garrigan, Chair of Catholic Theology, Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin

Dr Kevin Mitchell, Department of Genetics, TCD and blogger at wiringthebrain.com

Cathy Barry, philosophy graduate and blogger at irishphilosophy.com

Joe Humphreys (chair), Irish Times Education Correspondent and author

Unthinkable: Great Ideas for Now by Joe Humphreys is published by Irish Times Books and is drawn from Joe Humphreys' weekly columns in The Irish Times. It is available to buy now.