Science & Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective (Contours of Christian Philosophy Contours of Christian Philo) [Paperback]

Del Ratzsch (Author)

Book Description

Series: Contours of Christian Philosophy Contours of Christian Philo | Publication Date: January 12, 2000

Science, especially naturalistic science, has come under fire of late. No longer does it command the near universal respect it once held. From the right has come a fresh attack on Darwinism and arguments for intelligent design. From the left postmodern theorists have attacked the very notion of objective truth claims, scientific or otherwise. Into the fray Del Ratzsch breathes a breath of calm. He asks, What is science? What can it tell us? What can't it tell us? What challenges does it offer to Christian faith? How should a Christian respond? Originally published under the title Philosophy of Science, this revised volume surveys how views of science have developed and changed over time, especially since the Kuhnian revolution of the 1960s. Now updated to reflect current discussions of intelligent design and postmodern views of science, Science & Its Limits offers readers a thoughtful perspective on contemporary trends and useful advice on how to approach faith and science issues.

Product Details

• Paperback: 191 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic; 2 edition (January 12, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830815805
• ISBN-13: 978-0830815807
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #439,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You thought you knew what science is?, April 29, 2000

By 

martine extermann - See all my reviews

This review is from: Science & Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective (Contours of Christian Philosophy Contours of Christian Philo) (Paperback)

Think twice. Excellent primer on epistemology by a Christian philosopher. In a field (science and faith) where carricatures, misunderstandings, and insults are too frequent, Del Ratzsch brings a welcome sound of nuance, respect and depth. In a clear and accessible way, the author first reviews the various theories that have been developed over time to describe the relationship between science and reality. In a very interesting section, he then outlines the present work in progress of philosophers of science fraying their way between positivism and post-modern relativism. He points there to several questions that we can ask ourselves about our interpretation of scientific observations. In a section that could have been more developed, Del Ratzsch then discusses several options that Christians can choose to link biblical and scientific interpretations in their quest for a coherent understanding of our world. In a welcomed last chapter, he reminds them that unloving and simplistic Bible slamming and accusations are not among these options. A must read.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars philosophy of science 101, for anyone, from a christian view, January 28, 2003

By 

R. M. Williams "just an avid reader" (tucson, arizona USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Science & Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective (Contours of Christian Philosophy Contours of Christian Philo) (Paperback)

I came across the book as a deliberate study of the problems involved in the debate over creation evolution in the conservative christian community. It lived up to its expectations as an introductory study of the philosophy of science from a christian prespective. Del Ratzsch is a very competent philosopher, book is well written and strives for a balance not often seen it this field, i am sad to discover. He ends the books with the idea of "speak the truth in love", remarkably there are several reviews here on amazon concerning this book that apparently don't think this a principle to follow. again sadly.

as an example of a balanced passage: page 124
"the second reservation is that different parts of science operate in different ways, on different levels and must answer to different demands. consider the principle of the uniformity of nature. historically the underpinning of that principle is philosophical. it is not empirically testable-indeed, what test results might mean it itself determined in part in a context already defined by that very principle"

it certainly deserves a place in any thinking christian's bookshelf. it is not very doctrinaire and would be an asset to anyone interested in the topic of the philo of science, especially anyone who wants view conditioned by a particular perspective deeply involved in western culture.

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I bought this book, January 17, 2012

By 

marietm "soccer_girl_035" (Jenison, MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Science & Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective (Contours of Christian Philosophy Contours of Christian Philo) (Paperback)

This book is a tough read but worth the effort. Del Ratzsch's Science and its Limits has good content and is excellent for those wanting to learn more about what science is and what it can and cannot tell us. The book is very thought provoking and was helpful for class discussion. Very informative.