Reforming Science

Beyond Belief

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects
Cover of the book Reforming Science by Brian Ridley, Andrews UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Brian Ridley ISBN: 9781845404857
Publisher: Andrews UK Publication: September 20, 2016
Imprint: Imprint Academic Language: English
Author: Brian Ridley
ISBN: 9781845404857
Publisher: Andrews UK
Publication: September 20, 2016
Imprint: Imprint Academic
Language: English
In the 17th century Sir Francis Bacon advocated the patient study of Nature for the benefit of mankind. Most of science today, in its study of medicine, genetics, electronics etc., continues that pragmatic Baconian tradition without fuss. Over the years, however, as its investigation of Nature probed ever deeper into regions far removed from common experience, science has increasingly exhibited traits more usually associated with fundamentalist religion that with dispassionate study. Articulate voices from biology preach the belief in 18th century materialism in the study of evolution; those from physics promulgate a kind of mathematical theology in its study of elementary particles and cosmology; both inveigh against heresy. But science should be beyond that sort of belief. It should not see its undoubted success in manipulating matter as justifying any sort of religious status, as offering a spiritual foundation alternative to religion. As a scientist himself, Brian Ridley is appalled by such theological trends, hence this book. It is an attempt to address these concerns, to reform science, to place science in its broad historical and philosophical context where dogmatic belief has no place, to remind science itself that it has limitations.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
In the 17th century Sir Francis Bacon advocated the patient study of Nature for the benefit of mankind. Most of science today, in its study of medicine, genetics, electronics etc., continues that pragmatic Baconian tradition without fuss. Over the years, however, as its investigation of Nature probed ever deeper into regions far removed from common experience, science has increasingly exhibited traits more usually associated with fundamentalist religion that with dispassionate study. Articulate voices from biology preach the belief in 18th century materialism in the study of evolution; those from physics promulgate a kind of mathematical theology in its study of elementary particles and cosmology; both inveigh against heresy. But science should be beyond that sort of belief. It should not see its undoubted success in manipulating matter as justifying any sort of religious status, as offering a spiritual foundation alternative to religion. As a scientist himself, Brian Ridley is appalled by such theological trends, hence this book. It is an attempt to address these concerns, to reform science, to place science in its broad historical and philosophical context where dogmatic belief has no place, to remind science itself that it has limitations.

More books from Andrews UK

Cover of the book 101 Amazing Facts about Blink-182 by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book My Beautiful Bahrain by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book The Back to the Future Quiz Book by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Saying Hello by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Poor Jacky by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Differently Wired by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Sugar Baby by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book 101 Amazing Inspirational and 101 Amazing Philosophical Quotes by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Models of the Self by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Masquerading Hearts by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Hard a Tab Nab by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Thomas Brown by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Walking the Retreat by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Dead Man Riding East by Brian Ridley
Cover of the book Sex in Suburbia by Brian Ridley
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy