Science and Religion, 1450-1900 - (Greenwood Guides to Science and Religion) Annotated by Richard Olson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Galileo. Newton. Darwin. These giants are remembered for their great contributions to one of the most important phenomena in world history: science. But what is often forgotten is the profound influence on their lives and works of that other great phenomenon of Western Culture: Christianity. This book, the first volume in the Greenwood Guides to Science and Religion, explores the many ways in which religion--its ideas, attitudes, practices, and institutions--interacted with science from the beginnings of the Scientific Revolution to the end of the 19th century. Infused with the most up-to-date scholarship, the volume is aimed at the nonspecialist audience, explaining in clear language how inextricably linked science and religion have been during most of the last 500 years.

While discussing how science and religion occasionally clashed, this volume also explores the positive interactions these two institutions have experienced during this seminal period in Western history. The Christian Humanism of the 16th century promoted the new, utilitarian approach to natural knowledge that distinguishes Modern from Medieval science. The Jesuits were instrumental in the development of the experimental and mathematical sciences during the Scientific Revolution. In the 17th century, the English Puritans advocated alchemical science and their opponents, liberal Anglicans, promoted a new, mechanistic approach to the sciences. The geological advances of the 19th century were often religiously motivated; the discoveries of biblical criticism of the same period were inspired by the science of the day. This volume includes a selection of primary source documents to help readers understand the arguments and beliefs of the people of the time, and an annotated bibliography to assist readers in finding further information on the topics.

Book Synopsis

Galileo. Newton. Darwin. These giants are remembered for their great contributions to one of the most important phenomena in world history: science. But what is often forgotten is the profound influence on their lives and works of that other great phenomenon of Western Culture: Christianity. This book, the first volume in the Greenwood Guides to Science and Religion, explores the many ways in which religion--its ideas, attitudes, practices, and institutions--interacted with science from the beginnings of the Scientific Revolution to the end of the 19th century. Infused with the most up-to-date scholarship, the volume is aimed at the nonspecialist audience, explaining in clear language how inextricably linked science and religion have been during most of the last 500 years.

While discussing how science and religion occasionally clashed, this volume also explores the positive interactions these two institutions have experienced during this seminal period in Western history. The Christian Humanism of the 16th century promoted the new, utilitarian approach to natural knowledge that distinguishes Modern from Medieval science. The Jesuits were instrumental in the development of the experimental and mathematical sciences during the Scientific Revolution. In the 17th century, the English Puritans advocated alchemical science and their opponents, liberal Anglicans, promoted a new, mechanistic approach to the sciences. The geological advances of the 19th century were often religiously motivated; the discoveries of biblical criticism of the same period were inspired by the science of the day. This volume includes a selection of primary source documents to help readers understand the arguments and beliefs of the people of the time, and an annotated bibliography to assist readers in finding further information on the topics.

Review Quotes

"Olson....has written a book that will become indispensable reference for undergraduate research and pedagogy for this rich and interesting topic....The book is highly recommended."-H-Net Reviews

?[A]n excellent guide, a recommended reference pick....[a]n excellent comprehensive survey.?-MBR Bookwatch

?As discussions continue in school boards throughout the country on the issue of teaching evolution in biology classes, it can be helpful to know the history of the interaction between science and religion in the recent past. Richard Olson provides such an account for the period from 1490 to 1900. His account is lucid and accurate....This book is a very useful addition to the subject.?-SB&F

?Highly recommended. Readers with an interest in science, at the lower-undergraduate level and above.?-Choice

?Libraries needing in-depth scholarly material on the link between science and religion will find this a worthwhile purchase.?-Library Media Connection

"ÝA¨n excellent guide, a recommended reference pick....Ýa¨n excellent comprehensive survey."-MBR Bookwatch

"[A]n excellent guide, a recommended reference pick....[a]n excellent comprehensive survey."-MBR Bookwatch

"Highly recommended. Readers with an interest in science, at the lower-undergraduate level and above."-Choice

"Libraries needing in-depth scholarly material on the link between science and religion will find this a worthwhile purchase."-Library Media Connection

"As discussions continue in school boards throughout the country on the issue of teaching evolution in biology classes, it can be helpful to know the history of the interaction between science and religion in the recent past. Richard Olson provides such an account for the period from 1490 to 1900. His account is lucid and accurate....This book is a very useful addition to the subject."-SB&F

About the Author

RICHARD G. OLSON is Professor of History and Willard W. Keith Fellow in the Humanities at Harvey Mudd College. His work has focused on the interrelationships between the natural sciences and other cultural domains, including moral philosophy, the social sciences, political ideology, and religion. His publications include Science Deified and Science Defied (vol. 1, 1982, vol. 2, 1990) and The Emergence of the Social Sciences, 1642-1792 (1993).