First comprehensive survey in the field The debate over evolution's place in the school science curriculum in the United States illustrates the ongoing importance of the relationship between science and religion in the West. Surprisingly, however, that relationship has not always been a locus of contention. It has been varied and multifaceted, with religion oftentimes nurturing and encouraging scientific progress. For the first time, this relationship, which has gone on in some form perhaps since the dawn of history itself, is chronicled-through the analysis of intellectual movements, Western religious traditions, and the evolving manifestations of science. A truly vast range of coverage Reaching back to Greece in the fifth century B.C.E. and proceeding to the late twentieth century, this volume describes the relationship of science and religion throughout history. From ancient cosmology and medieval occult sciences to modern physics and psychology, every major intellectual movement and discipline of study is covered. There is also comprehensive coverage of the foundational aspects of the study of science and religion, with, for example, detailed discussions of the demarcation of science and religion, of epistemology, and of causation. Coverage of scientists' religious concerns Also included here are biographical studies of major scientific figures-among them Galileo, Newton, and Darwin-who were particularly concerned with the religious implications and dimensions of their scientific discoveries.
About the AuthorGary B. Ferngren is Professor of History at Oregon State University, where he has taught since 1970. He holds a Ph.D. (1973) from the University of British Columbia and has written extensively on the social history of ancient medicine, the history of medical ethics, and the historical relationship of religion and medicine.
Edward J. Larson is Richard B. Russell Professor of History and Law at the University of Georgia, Athens.
Darrel W. Amundsen is Professor of Classics at Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington.
Reviews"The volume is... comprehensive in its treatment of the subject of science and religion, and will be of service to undergraduates as well as research scholars." -- American Reference Books Annual
"A good place to start for those wishing to get nuanced historical backgrounds to a debate that is not likely to be resolved in the near future." -- Journal of theHistory of Biology
"Valuable to theologians, scientists, and philosophers." -- Choice
"Has no peer. Recommended for all academic and public libraries and for collections on theology and on the history of science." -- Library Journal
Book InformationISBN 9781138867833
Author Gary B. FerngrenFormat Paperback
Page Count 608
Imprint RoutledgePublisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g
