Science and Humanity: A Humane Philosophy of Science and Religion

Andrew Steane's book "Science and the Spiritual Quest" challenges the traditional view of science as a ladder of ideas and presents a more holistic understanding of the natural world as a meeting-place where people can only be correctly understood through reciprocal, respectful engagement. He argues that Darwinian evolution does not undermine this perspective but rather is the process by which truths about the human personhood are discovered and expressed. The book also explores the role of religion in responding to the sense of value and offers a theistic religious response to arguments by David Hume and Richard Dawkins.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Andrew Steane's groundbreaking work reconfigures the public understanding of science by drawing on a profound knowledge of physics and integrating mainstream philosophy of science. Science, rather than being a hierarchical ladder where ideas at one level render those at another obsolete, emerges as a vibrant, multilingual network of ideas. This perspective suggests that the natural world is more akin to a meeting place, where individuals can only be fully understood through reciprocal, respectful engagement as one person to another.

Steane demonstrates that Darwinian evolution does not invalidate this understanding but rather is the process through which such truths have been discovered and expressed in the world. From this vantage point, the argument extends to other aspects of human life. Our sense of value necessitates a response that goes beyond mere logical argumentation. This leads us toward the realm of religion, in its virtuous forms, which possesses the capacity to express profound insights.

In response to significant arguments made by David Hume and Richard Dawkins, Steane offers a compelling rebuttal. The book concludes with brief chapters that place religion within the broader context of human capacities and elucidate the theistic religious response, or potential responses, in the modern world.

Through his meticulous exploration of physics and philosophical insights, Andrew Steane has reshaped our perception of science, highlighting its interconnectedness and the importance of holistic understanding. His work encourages us to embrace a more nuanced and inclusive perspective, one that recognizes the profound insights and values found in diverse fields of knowledge.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 224 x 150 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198824589