Science and Religion

By: Lawrence M. Principe, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Lawrence M. Principe

What is the nature of the relationship between science and religion? When do they conflict? And how do they influence each other in the pursuit of knowledge and truth? While conventional wisdom says that science and theology must perpetually clash, they have actually been partners in an age-old adventure.

These 12 engaging lectures cover both the historical sweep and philosophical flashpoints of this epic interaction. You'll encounter a surprisingly cooperative dynamic in which theologians and natural scientists - from St. Augustine to Sir Isaac Newton to contemporary thinkers - share methods, ideas, aspirations, and a tradition of disputational dialogue.

Moving from the early centuries of the Christian era and the Middle Ages to our own day, Professor Principe examines St. Augustine's profound ideas about reason and faith, and he follows St. Thomas Aquinas's exploration of miracles - the need to identify them is one example of how scientific and theological inquiry overlap.

You'll meet a 19th-century writer whose anti-Catholic diatribe spread myths that persist today, and you'll learn about the courage (and stubbornness) of Galileo, the unexpected rationality of his accusers, the inspiration of Darwin's natural selection, and the religious implications of Lemaître's big bang theory.

The solution to modern conflicts is the study of history. Such study will equip you to join that partnership with ideas and a clear, historical perspective on the science/religion relationship. These tools will help you participate more effectively in a dialogue that is as thought-provoking today as it was hundreds of years ago.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2006 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2006 The Great Courses

An amazing course from Dr.Principe

Dr.Prencipe is a great scientists ,he has a deep knowledge about his field , the history of science and religion.His course is full of real knowledge,I consider my self lucky that choose this course by chance and it was a great discovery ,he changes a lot of my thoughts about the relationship between religion and science .Highly recommend to everyone .

Excellent opener to a large subject

It examines the historical development of the argument between science and religion. I liked the intellectual approach where critical thinking takes prevalence instead of defending one side or the other. Well examined and engaging.

Balanced and Academic View of Science and Religion

What I really enjoyed about this lecture series is it really gets into some of the most important scientific debates in history but also provides greater background that there was not a religion versus science attitude throughout history. It also respects those with faith as well as challenges both sides to think more critically.

great

I resent being made to leave a review to rate but this course is very good.

Amazingly interesting and comprehensive

If you could sum up Science and Religion in three words, what would they be?

I can't stop listening to this course. It is deeply interesting, very well reasoned and entertaining too. Dr. Principe covers most fallacies of reasoning related to this topic. I learned that the schism between science and religion is overstated and why. I gained new respect for those who grappled with the search for truth long before me and a greater respect for my own process. The course answered my questions and entirely exceeded my expectations. Dr. Pincipe combines a sharp mind and wonderful style with a great sense of humor. Best non fiction I've listened to at Audible. Bravo Dr. Principe!

Any additional comments?

Wonderful book for people attempting to understand and balance faith and intellect.

Reasonable

Religion has an emotional expression but to be valid the faith must it professes must be reasonable. Science is based on reason and reasonable faith are complementary not exclusive.

Good survey of the history of science and religion

A more accurate title would be “The History of the Interaction Between Science and Religion”. In that sense these lectures are excellent and provide a good perspective on the separation (or lack thereof) between science and religion. It also highlights the diversity of thought and long history that runs counter to our soundbite driven simplistic understanding of current “conflicts” between science and religion. Our society loves the circus and that, more than facts and history, is what drives our current public discourse.

Wonderful

Any additional comments?

This is one of the best and most enlightening lectures I have heard in quite awhile. A must listen to to anyone who wants to clear up the Science v. Religion battle.

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As always from the learning compsny, this was of excellent quality. I did find the last discussions on evolution kinda displaying just the sort of religion / science bias the lecturer was speaking out against.

An excellent introduction and overview!

Dr. Principe mentions in one of the lectures that there are many more areas of the relationship between science and religion to explore. Please do a sequel.