About the book
For more than 30 years, historians have rejected what they call the ‘warfare thesis’ – the idea that there is an inevitable conflict between religion and science – insisting that scientists and believers can live in harmony. This book disagrees. Taking as its starting point the most famous of all such conflicts, the Galileo affair, it argues that religious and scientific communities exhibit very different attitudes to knowledge. Scripturally based religions not only claim a source of knowledge distinct from human reason. They are also bound by tradition, insist upon the certainty of their beliefs, and are resistant to radical criticism in ways in which the sciences are not. If traditionally minded believers perceive a clash between what their faith tells them and the findings of modern science, they may well do what the Church authorities did in Galileo’s time. They may attempt to close down the science, insisting that the authority of God’s word trumps that of any ‘merely human’ knowledge. Those of us who value science must take care to ensure this does not happen.
Editions of Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science
- EBook
- ISBN 9781317268888
- PDF
- ISBN 9781317268895
Read an Excerpt
For more than 30 years, historians have rejected what they call the ‘warfare thesis’ – the idea that there is an inevitable conflict between religion and science – insisting that scientists and believers can live in harmony. This book disagrees. Taking as its starting point the most famous of all such conflicts, the Galileo affair, it argues that religious and scientific communities exhibit very different attitudes to knowledge. Scripturally based religions not only claim a source of knowledge distinct from human reason. They are also bound by tradition, insist upon the certainty of their beliefs, and are resistant to radical criticism in ways in which the sciences are not. If traditionally minded believers perceive a clash between what their faith tells them and the findings of modern science, they may well do what the Church authorities did in Galileo’s time. They may attempt to close down the science, insisting that the authority of God’s word trumps that of any ‘merely human’ knowledge. Those of us who value science must take care to ensure this does not happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science about?
For more than 30 years, historians have rejected what they call the ‘warfare thesis’ – the idea that there is an inevitable conflict between religion and science – insisting that scientists and believers can live in harmony. This book disagrees. Taking as its starting point the most famous of all such conflicts, the Galileo affair, it argues that religious and scientific communities exhibit very different attitudes to knowledge. Scripturally based religions not only claim a source of knowledge distinct from human reason. They are also bound by tradition, insist upon the certainty of their beliefs, and are resistant to radical criticism in ways in which the sciences are not. If traditionally minded believers perceive a clash between what their faith tells them and the findings of modern science, they may well do what the Church authorities did in Galileo’s time. They may attempt to close down the science, insisting that the authority of God’s word trumps that of any ‘merely human’ knowledge. Those of us who value science must take care to ensure this does not happen.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Religion: general > Philosophy of religion
Where can I read a sample of Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781317268888
Is Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Routledge Studies in the Philosophy of Religion
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science?
Gregory W. Dawes
Who is the Publisher of the book Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science?
Taylor and Francis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science is available as ebook(ISBN 9781317268888) and pdf(ISBN 9781317268895)