The debate between science and religion is never out of the news: emotions run high, fuelled by polemical bestsellers like The God Delusion and, at the other end of the spectrum, high-profile campaigns to teach 'Intelligent Design' in schools. Yet there is much more to the debate than the clash of these extremes. As Thomas Dixon shows in this balanced and thought-provoking introduction, many have seen harmony rather than conflict between faith and science. He explores not only the key philosophical questions that underlie the debate, but also the social, political, and ethical contexts that have made 'science and religion' such a fraught and interesting topic in the modern world, offering perspectives from non-Christian religions and examples from across the physical, biological, and social sciences.. Along the way, he examines landmark historical episodes such as the trial of Galileo by the Inquisition in 1633, and the famous debate between 'Darwin's bulldog' Thomas Huxley and Bishop Wilberforce in Oxford in 1860. The Scopes 'Monkey Trial' in Tennessee in 1925 and the Dover Area School Board case of 2005 are explained with reference to the interaction between religion, law, and education in modern America. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

About the Author
Thomas Dixon is Professor of History at Queen Mary, University of London. A member of the International Society for Science and Religion and an expert on modern intellectual history, he writes regularly for the Times Literary Supplement, and has published books about the history of psychology and about Victorian moral philosophy.

Reviews
A rich introductory text...on the study of relations of science and religion. * R. P. Whaite, Metascience *
A marvellous book that should be required reading for dogmatic fundamentalists of every persuasion. * Patricia Fara, British Journal for the History of Science *
Dixon shows great skill in composing a book which combines coherence and clarity with a strong forward momentum... The interested reader need not hesitate. * Michael Fuller, The Expository Times *
Bracing initiation * Observer. *
The relationship between science and religion, past and present, is much more varied and more interesting than the popular caricature of conflict. Thomas Dixon gives us the richer picture, and he does it with clarity and verve. This is an ideal introduction to a fascinating subject. * Peter Lipton. University of Cambridge *
Thomas Dixon has made a delightful contribution to this OUP series of Very Short Introductions. * Church Times *


Awards
Winner of Winner of the Dingle Prize 2009.



Book Information
ISBN 9780199295517
Author Thomas Dixon
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 148g
Dimensions(mm) 174mm * 111mm * 9mm