About the book
In a brilliant and explosively controversial work, the author attacks modern science for destroying our spiritual sense of self.
What is the role of science in present-day society? Should we be as dazzled as we are by the innovations, the insights, and the miraculous improvements in material life that science has wrought? Or is there a darker, more pernicious side to our scientific success?
Renowned British science columnist Bryan Appleyard thoroughly explores each of these provocative topics in a book that has incited the ire of the scientific community. He points out that while scientists have shaped our lives and our beliefs, they have consistently failed to explain human consciousness, the soul, or the meaning of life. From Galileo to Darwin, from Copernicus to Oppenheimer, countless scientists have proclaimed a universe in which human beings are only an accidental presence. The unwitting result is that science has cast humankind adrift, paralyzing us with fear and cutting us off from personal or religious truth. In Appleyard’s view, science has done us “appalling spiritual damage.”
These startling conclusions have prompted strong counterattacks from the scientific establishment. Yet regardless of where one falls in the debate, Understanding the Present forces readers to re-examine society’s blind faith in the benevolence of modern science.
“An exposition that is dazzling for its concrete illustrations and examples.”—The New York Times
“A withering indictment of modern science . . . This should crack a few test tubes.”—Kirkus Reviews
Editions of Understanding the Present
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780385420983
Read an Excerpt
In a brilliant and explosively controversial work, the author attacks modern science for destroying our spiritual sense of self.
What is the role of science in present-day society? Should we be as dazzled as we are by the innovations, the insights, and the miraculous improvements in material life that science has wrought? Or is there a darker, more pernicious side to our scientific success?
Renowned British science columnist Bryan Appleyard thoroughly explores each of these provocative topics in a book that has incited the ire of the scientific community. He points out that while scientists have shaped our lives and our beliefs, they have consistently failed to explain human consciousness, the soul, or the meaning of life. From Galileo to Darwin, from Copernicus to Oppenheimer, countless scientists have proclaimed a universe in which human beings are only an accidental presence. The unwitting result is that science has cast humankind adrift, paralyzing us with fear and cutting us off from personal or religious truth. In Appleyard’s view, science has done us “appalling spiritual damage.”
These startling conclusions have prompted strong counterattacks from the scientific establishment. Yet regardless of where one falls in the debate, Understanding the Present forces readers to re-examine society’s blind faith in the benevolence of modern science.
“An exposition that is dazzling for its concrete illustrations and examples.”—The New York Times
“A withering indictment of modern science . . . This should crack a few test tubes.”—Kirkus Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Understanding the Present about?
In a brilliant and explosively controversial work, the author attacks modern science for destroying our spiritual sense of self.
What is the role of science in present-day society? Should we be as dazzled as we are by the innovations, the insights, and the miraculous improvements in material life that science has wrought? Or is there a darker, more pernicious side to our scientific success?
Renowned British science columnist Bryan Appleyard thoroughly explores each of these provocative topics in a book that has incited the ire of the scientific community. He points out that while scientists have shaped our lives and our beliefs, they have consistently failed to explain human consciousness, the soul, or the meaning of life. From Galileo to Darwin, from Copernicus to Oppenheimer, countless scientists have proclaimed a universe in which human beings are only an accidental presence. The unwitting result is that science has cast humankind adrift, paralyzing us with fear and cutting us off from personal or religious truth. In Appleyard’s view, science has done us “appalling spiritual damage.”
These startling conclusions have prompted strong counterattacks from the scientific establishment. Yet regardless of where one falls in the debate, Understanding the Present forces readers to re-examine society’s blind faith in the benevolence of modern science.
“An exposition that is dazzling for its concrete illustrations and examples.”—The New York Times
“A withering indictment of modern science . . . This should crack a few test tubes.”—Kirkus Reviews
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Understanding the Present?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Religion: general > Religious issues and debates > Religion and science
Where can I read a sample of Understanding the Present?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780385420983
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Understanding the Present?
Bryan Appleyard
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Understanding the Present is available as paperback(ISBN 9780385420983)
Where can I buy Understanding the Present online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Understanding the Present from below
Where can I buy Understanding the Present?