Overview

Flipping convention on its head, Eric Dietrich argues that science uncovers awe-inspiring, enduring mysteries, while religion, regarded as the source for such mysteries, is a biological phenomenon. Just like spoken language, Dietrich shows that religion is an evolutionary adaptation. Science is the source of perplexing yet beautiful mysteries, however natural the search for answers may be to human existence. Excellent Beauty undoes our misconception of scientific inquiry as an executioner of beauty, making the case that science has won the battle with religion so thoroughly it can now explain why religion persists. The book also draws deep lessons for human flourishing from the very existence of scientific mysteries. It is these latter wonderful, completely public truths that constitute some strangeness in the proportion and reveal a universe worthy of awe and wonder.

Full Product Details

9780231539357

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is, quite simply, one ofthe most eloquent books on religion and science I have read in recentyears. Dietrich writes clearly and accessibly, with a touchof humor and a great deal of personality. His book moves fluidly betweenhistorically supported arguments and pedagogically minded examples, allpresented in a limpid style that will be attractive to the general reader.--William Egginton, The Johns Hopkins University

Author Information

Eric Dietrich is professor of philosophy at Binghamton University and the founding editor and current editor in chief of the Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Artificial Intelligence. He is the author of numerous papers and several books focusing on cognitive science, consciousness, artificial intelligence, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of mind.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available