Religion and Science [Paperback]

Bertrand Russell (Author), Michael Ruse (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 29, 1997

In this timely work, Russell, philosopher, agnostic, mathematician, and renowned peace advocate, offers a brief yet insightful study of the conflicts between science and traditional religion during the last four centuries. Examining accounts in which scientific advances clashed with Christian doctrine or biblical interpretations of the day, from Galileo and the Copernican Revolution, to the medical breakthroughs of anesthesia and inoculation, Russell points to the constant upheaval and reevaluation of our systems of belief throughout history. In turn, he identifies where similar debates between modern science and the Church still exist today. Michael Ruse's new introduction brings these conflicts between science and theology up to date, focusing on issues arising after World War II.
This classic is sure to interest all readers of philosophy and religion, as well as those interested in Russell's thought and writings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for earlier editions:
"Mr. Russell succeeds in investing the subject with a fresh interest....Even on the points on which one disagrees--and in a book of this type there will necessarily be many--the discussion is always acute and illuminating. Mr. Russell has endeavored to state opposing points of view with fairness."--Henry Hazlitt, The New York Times

About the Author

The late Bertrand Russell, English philosopher and mathematician, was a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge University, where he taught for many years. He also lectured widely in the United States. Winner of the 1950 Nobel Prize for Literature, he is the author of many books including the influential Principia Mathematica, with Alfred North Whitehead, and The Autobiography of Bertrand Russell 1872-1967, published in three volumes.
Michael Ruse is Professor of Philosophy and Zoology at the University of Guelph, Ontario. He is the author of many books, including Evolutionary Naturalism and The Darwinian Paradigm.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 0002- edition (May 29, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195115511
• ISBN-13: 978-0195115512
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970). Philosopher, mathematician, educational and sexual reformer, pacifist, prolific letter writer, author and columnist, Bertrand Russell was one of the most influential and widely known intellectual figures of the twentieth century. In 1950 he was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature in 1950 for his extensive contributions to world literature and for his "rationality and humanity, as a fearless champion of free speech and free thought in the West."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 66 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a very lucid discussion on science and religion September 30, 1997

By [e-mail]

Format:Paperback

Some people say that you must not read what is contrary to your religious beliefs. I advise those people not to read this book, as they will see their beliefs carefully explained, discussed and torn down by Russell. He does not mock the opposite points of view, but he explains them in a very clear fashion and then shows sound arguments to prove they are wrong. Even if you do not agree with his position, you will find the discussion enlightening. Recommended!

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Essay on the Historical Conflict Between Religion & Science February 2, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

"Religion and Science" provides excellent insight into the historical struggle between religious faith and the scientific pursuit of facts. Russell outlines the differences in methodologies that inevitably lead to conflict between religion and science. He sites various examples of such conflicts including opposition to the heliocentric view of the universe and Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Russell infers throughout how science is superior to religion, at least from a pragmatic standpoint. This is perhaps not a revealing fact to enlightened readers. However, as Russell points out, in every age there are religious adherents and systems that have opposed progressive ideas and technologies made possible by scientific discoveries. Russell makes it clear that the reader should at least be aware of such historical precedence in order to be prepared to handle modern instances of conflict between religion and science.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Religion and Science February 5, 2003

By Daniel

Format:Paperback

I really enjoyed this book. Basically this is a history book of science and religion and how they have interacted over the history of mankind. Bertrand explains how almost every great scientific finding or revolution is oppressed ...by religion in some way or another. Copernicus, Newton, Galileo, Darwin, Vesalius, Harvey, Simpson, and many other distinguished scholars have all been at least fearful of the reactions of the churches, but also of the general population. Bertrand also goes into detail how the idea of ?soul? has changed through time: ?We not only react to external objects, but we know that we react. The stone, we think, does not know it reacts, but if it does it has ?consciousness.? Here also, on analysis, the difference will be found to be one of degree.? I rate this book with five out of five stars; I enjoyed it and still do enjoy it thoroughly.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Titans' Battle is Reviewed by Capable Hands April 26, 2004

By M. Friedman

Format:Paperback

Quick overview of the centuries long conflict between religion and science. Russell firmly believes that religion has stood in the natural path of science on multiple fronts. Every time religion has been "pushed aside" by science (sometimes violently), man has made tremendous progressive strides. This includes discovering that blood flows through the body and the failure to find the soul within the body, amongst dozens of other examples.

The book's age takes very little away from the book. Russell even acknowledges that the fields of science he speaks about are still progressing and his words about them will one day be less poignant.

Fascinating and quick, I read "S&R" after "The Problems of Philosophy" and "The Conquest of Happiness," but before "Why I Am Not a Christian."

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for the religious and nonreligious alike July 27, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Russell's "Religion and Science" explores, in a thoughtful and intelligent fashion, essentially the dark side of religion and its historical resistance (to say the least) to scientific discovery. This is clearly a must read for any rational thinking human.

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Comments on 2 CD Audio... February 24, 2005

By S. Henkels VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Hard to believe that this Book (here in CD Audio Format) was written was back in 1932! Most of it is as current and relevent now as then. The CD is broken down in to several parts, including RELIGION AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD,RELIGION AND DISEASE,RELIGION AND EVOLUTION, RELIGION AND MYSTICISM. Always very polite and a bit understated, the CD begins commenting on Copernicus and Galileo, scientists contradicting the dogma of their times. Then onto Church responses to disease including 1600's Plagues, and Smallpox. The blame was put on demons and devils, not germs aor viruses. His comments on the Smallpox outbreak in 1880's Montreal are worth the price of the CD. Evolution and biology are discussed, and Russll has some interesting thoughts on mysticism. Very worthwhile in this CD format!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction, somewhat out-of-date July 25, 2011

By Harrison Koehli

Format:Paperback

Even though it's over 75 years old by now, this little book by Russell is still a very good introduction to the history of science and religion. Russell observes how at pretty much every juncture, the religious authorities (whom he categorizes as sadistic and misogynistic) stifled advances in science that contradicted their dogma. While couched in theological arguments, their motivations were actually more influenced by the fact that science put their authority into question. And anything that puts an authoritarian's rule into question must be eradicated. While he was writing of the past, Russell nonetheless saw the same forces at work at the time of writing, stating that communism and fascism became "the inheritors of theological bigotry."

And indeed, it seems these same dynamics are at play today. That's where I think Russell's analysis falls short. As Michael Ruse points out in the introduction, the book is a little out of date. The 'conflict' hasn't so much been a monolithic one of "science" vs. "religion". In my opinion, it has more to do with the psychology behind these impulses: one of open-mindedness and free discovery, and one of brute totalitarian rule. While religion has definitely typified the latter for its entire history, the worldview can also apply to secular institutions, as Russell noted. The identity of the problem isn't clearly defined here. I think David Ray Griffin's summary of Whitehead's views on the subject, as well as his own analysis on the circumstances surrounding the main players in the 'conflict' and the forces at play that left 'science' victorious gets closer to the heart of the matter (see com/Whiteheads-Radically-Different-Postmodern-Philosophy/dp/0791470504">Whitehead's Radically Different Postmodern Philosophy: An Argument for Its Contemporary Relevence). The battle was a political one, and competing 'religious' worldviews suffered just as much as 'science'. Griffin also presents a more coherent metaphysic than Russell's materialism, for what it's worth.

As for a more current take on the subject, I recommend Thomas Dixon's volume, Science and Religion: A Very Short Introduction. Read more ›