Overview
With exoplanets being discovered daily, Earth is still the only planet we know of that is home to creatures who seek a coherent explanation for the structure, origins, and fate of the universe, and of humanity's place within it. Today, science and religion are the two major cultural entities on our planet that share this goal of coherent understanding, though their interpretation of evidence differs dramatically. Many scientists look at the known universe and conclude we are here by chance. The renowned astronomer and historian of science Owen Gingerich looks at the same evidence-along with the fact that the universe is comprehensible to our minds-and sees it as proof for the planning and intentions of a Creator-God. He believes that the idea of a universe without God is an oxymoron, a self-contradiction. God's Planet exposes the fallacy in thinking that science and religion can be kept apart. Gingerich frames his argument around three questions: Was Copernicus right, in dethroning Earth from its place at the center of the universe? Was Darwin right, in placing humans securely in an evolving animal kingdom? And was Hoyle right, in identifying physical constants in nature that seem singularly tuned to allow the existence of intelligent life on planet Earth? Using these episodes from the history of science, Gingerich demonstrates that cultural attitudes, including religious or antireligious beliefs, play a significant role in what passes as scientific understanding. The more rigorous science becomes over time, the more clearly God's handiwork can be comprehended.
Full Product Details
Author: Owen Gingerich ,
Randy Isaac
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Imprint: Harvard University Press
Dimensions:
Width: 11.10cm
, Height: 2.00cm
, Length: 18.10cm
Weight: 0.245kg
ISBN: 9780674417106
ISBN 10: 0674417100
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 22 October 2014
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
,
Tertiary & Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Out of stock
The supplier is temporarily out of stock of this item. It will be ordered for you on backorder and shipped when it becomes available.
Reviews
A rich volume you ll want to keep in your library.--John Farrell Forbes.com (09/18/2014)
Astronomer-historian Owen Gingerich rebuts the claim made by Stephen Jay Gould that science and religion are 'non-overlapping magisteria' with no influence on each other. He does so by carefully analyzing three scientific discoveries whose full significance is only clarified through metascientific assessment. Gingerich's argument is scholarly, yet the writing is so clear and lively that it is readily accessible.--The Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, KBE, FRS
Author Information
Owen Gingerich was Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and of the History of Science at Harvard University and a senior astronomer emeritus at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
