50% Off The Criterion Collection Shop Now
Science and Religion in Search of Cosmic Purpose
Many scientists today think of the universe as essentially purposeless. Likewise, modern and postmodern philosophers have often been suspicious of any religious claims that the natural world embodies and eternal meaning or teleology. Not all scientific thinkers subscribe to this cosmic pessimism, however, and some would even argue that contemporary knowledge is consistent with a religious sense of cosmic purpose.

This stimulating book offers candid reflections on the question of cosmic purpose written both by prominent scientists and by scholars representing the world's religious traditions. Examining the issue from a wide variety of perspectives, this is the only current book to deal with cosmic purpose from an interreligious and interdisciplinary perspective.

Here scientists such as physicist Andrei Linde and biologist Francisco Ayala come face to face with Islamic scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Hindu philosopher Anindita Niyogi Balslev, and others. They examine such perplexing issues as the possible existence of multiple universes and the implications of seemingly purposive features in life. The contributions address the question of whether a religiously-based notion of a purposeful cosmos is consistent with the latest scientific understanding of nature, and whether theology can affirm the presence of divine action without contradicting science.

These essays will challenge readers to ponder their own place in the cosmos as they seek to interpret the visions of the world's great spiritual traditions in the light of natural science.

"1003767386"
Science and Religion in Search of Cosmic Purpose
Many scientists today think of the universe as essentially purposeless. Likewise, modern and postmodern philosophers have often been suspicious of any religious claims that the natural world embodies and eternal meaning or teleology. Not all scientific thinkers subscribe to this cosmic pessimism, however, and some would even argue that contemporary knowledge is consistent with a religious sense of cosmic purpose.

This stimulating book offers candid reflections on the question of cosmic purpose written both by prominent scientists and by scholars representing the world's religious traditions. Examining the issue from a wide variety of perspectives, this is the only current book to deal with cosmic purpose from an interreligious and interdisciplinary perspective.

Here scientists such as physicist Andrei Linde and biologist Francisco Ayala come face to face with Islamic scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Hindu philosopher Anindita Niyogi Balslev, and others. They examine such perplexing issues as the possible existence of multiple universes and the implications of seemingly purposive features in life. The contributions address the question of whether a religiously-based notion of a purposeful cosmos is consistent with the latest scientific understanding of nature, and whether theology can affirm the presence of divine action without contradicting science.

These essays will challenge readers to ponder their own place in the cosmos as they seek to interpret the visions of the world's great spiritual traditions in the light of natural science.

59.95 In Stock
Science and Religion in Search of Cosmic Purpose

Science and Religion in Search of Cosmic Purpose

Overview

Many scientists today think of the universe as essentially purposeless. Likewise, modern and postmodern philosophers have often been suspicious of any religious claims that the natural world embodies and eternal meaning or teleology. Not all scientific thinkers subscribe to this cosmic pessimism, however, and some would even argue that contemporary knowledge is consistent with a religious sense of cosmic purpose.

This stimulating book offers candid reflections on the question of cosmic purpose written both by prominent scientists and by scholars representing the world's religious traditions. Examining the issue from a wide variety of perspectives, this is the only current book to deal with cosmic purpose from an interreligious and interdisciplinary perspective.

Here scientists such as physicist Andrei Linde and biologist Francisco Ayala come face to face with Islamic scholar Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Hindu philosopher Anindita Niyogi Balslev, and others. They examine such perplexing issues as the possible existence of multiple universes and the implications of seemingly purposive features in life. The contributions address the question of whether a religiously-based notion of a purposeful cosmos is consistent with the latest scientific understanding of nature, and whether theology can affirm the presence of divine action without contradicting science.

These essays will challenge readers to ponder their own place in the cosmos as they seek to interpret the visions of the world's great spiritual traditions in the light of natural science.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780878408658
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Publication date: 06/22/2001
Edition description: Reprint
Pages: 156
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

John F. Haught is Landegger Distinguished Professor of Theology at Georgetown University and director of the Georgetown Center for the Study of Science and Religion. He is the author of numerous books, including God after Darwin: A Theology of Evolution (Westview Press, 1999).

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Inflationary Cosmology and the Question of TeleologyAndrei Lindei

2. Darwin and Teleology of NatureFrancisco J. Ayala

3. Islamic Cosmology: Basic Tenets and Implications, Yesterday and TodaySeyyed Hossein Nasr

4. Cosmos and Consciousness: Indian PerspectivesAnindita Niyogi Balslev

5. Cosomology, Science, and Ethics in Japanese Neo-ConfucianismMary Evelyn Tucker

6. Cosmic Directionality and the Wisdom of ScienceBrian Swimme

7. Information and Cosmic PurposeJohn F. Haught

8. Is There Design and Purpose in the Universe?Owen Gingerich

What People are Saying About This

Wentzel van Huyssteen

John Haught has brought together a remarkable and very diverse group of scientists and religious scholars, and the result is a challenging diversity of perspectives that are eminently readable, persuasive, and thought-provoking.

From the Publisher

"John Haught has brought together a remarkable and very diverse group of scientists and religious scholars, and the result is a challenging diversity of perspectives that are eminently readable, persuasive, and thought-provoking."—Wentzel van Huyssteen, James I. McCord Professor of Theology and Science, Princeton University

From the B&N Reads Blog
Page 1 of

Related Subjects

Philosophy
Religion
Science & Technology
General & Miscellaneous Philosophy
General & Miscellaneous Religion
History & Philosophy of Science
Philosophy - General & Miscellaneous
Religion & Science
Philosophy
Religion
Science & Technology
General & Miscellaneous Philosophy
General & Miscellaneous Religion
History & Philosophy of Science
Philosophy - General & Miscellaneous
Religion & Science

Customer Reviews