Religion and Science

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Oxford University Press, 1997 - History - 254 pages
In this timely work, Russell, philosopher, agnostic, mathematician, and renowned peace advocate, offers a brief yet insightful study of the conflicts between science and traditional religion during the last four centuries. Examining accounts in which scientific advances clashed with Christian doctrine or biblical interpretations of the day, from Galileo and the Copernican Revolution, to the medical breakthroughs of anesthesia and inoculation, Russell points to the constant upheaval and reevaluation of our systems of belief throughout history. In turn, he identifies where similar debates between modern science and the Church still exist today. Michael Ruse's new introduction brings these conflicts between science and theology up to date, focusing on issues arising after World War II.
This classic is sure to interest all readers of philosophy and religion, as well as those interested in Russell's thought and writings.
 

Contents

INTRODUCTION BY MICHAEL RUSE I GROUND OF CONFLICT
7
THE COPERNICAN REVOLUTION
19
EVOLUTION
49
DEMONOLOGY AND MEDICINE
82
SOUL AND BODY
110
DETERMINISM
144
MYSTICISM
171
COSMIC PURPOSE
190
SCIENCE OF ETHICS
223
CONCLUSION
244
INDEX
253
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About the author (1997)

The late Bertrand Russell, English philosopher and mathematician, was a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge University, where he taught for many years. He also lectured widely in the United States. Winner of the 1950 Nobel Prize for Literature, he is the author of many books including the influential Principia Mathematica, with Alfred North Whitehead, and The Autobiography of Bertrand Russell 1872-1967, published in threevolumes. Michael Ruse is Professor of Philosophy and Zoology at the University of Guelph, Ontario. He is the author of many books, including Evolutionary Naturalism and The Darwinian Paradigm.

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