Beyond Science: The Wider Human Context - Hardcover

Polkinghorne, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521572126 ISBN 13: 9780521572125

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1996

Synopsis

Science is very successful in discovering the structure and history of the physical world, but its success is purchased by the modesty of its ambition. There is more to be told of the encounter with reality, including the nature of scientific inquiry itself, than can be gained from impersonal experience and experimental test. This book goes beyond science to consider the human context in which it operates and to pursue that wider understanding which we all seek. It looks to issues of meaning and value, intrinsic to scientific practice but excluded from science's consideration by its own self-denying ordinance. It raises the question of the significance of the deep mathematical intelligibility of the physical world and its anthropically fruitful history. It considers how we may find responsible ways to use the power that science places in human hands. Science is portrayed as an activity of human persons pursued within a convivial and truth-seeking community. This book neither over-values science (as if it were the only worthwhile source of knowledge) nor devalues it (as if it were to be treated with suspicion or not taken seriously). Beyond Science provides a considered and balanced account which firmly asserts science's place in human culture, maintained in mutually illuminating relationships with other aspects of that culture.

About this title

Book Description:

Science is very successful in discovering the structure and history of the physical world, but there is more to be told of the encounter with reality than can be gained from impersonal experience and experimental test. Beyond Science provides a considered and balanced account which firmly asserts science's place in human culture.

From Booklist:

Not many distinguished physicists have discovered their vocation as Anglican priests. As one who did, Polkinghorne writes with rare authority on the ultimate meaning of science. Against those who regard it as no more than contrived but useful formulas, he insists that science opens a genuine understanding of the harmonies of the universe. But against those who regard science as our only access to truth, he defends the scientifically inexplicable yearnings for elegance and vision that have made science itself--and much else--possible. Only the foolish, he argues, will repudiate science; only the even more foolish will reject all values not derived through it. And for Polkinghorne, ultimate values spring from faith in God as creator of the universe scientists explore. Not all skeptics will yield to this synthesis of faith and rationality, but Polkinghorne will awaken in many thoughtful readers a new appreciation for their place in the marvelous cosmos. Bryce Christensen

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0521572126
• ISBN 13: 9780521572125
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 143