Why beliefs matter : reflections on the nature of science / E. Brian Davies.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Davies, E. B. (Edward Brian)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Religion and science.

Mathematics--Philosophy.

Mathematics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (x, 250 p. ) ill.

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, c2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This title discusses deep problems about our place in the world with a minimum of jargon. It argues that 'absolutist' ideas dating back to Plato continue to mislead generations of mathematicians, physicists and theologians, and reveals the underlying reasons for the current conflicts between science and religion.

This book discusses deep problems about our place in the world with a minimum of technical jargon. It argues that 'absolutist' ideas dating back to Plato continue to mislead generations of theoretical physicists and theologians. It explains that the multi-layered nature of our present descriptions of the world is unavoidable, not because of anything about the world but because of our own human natures. It tries to rescue mathematics from the singular and exceptional status that it has been assigned, as much by those who understand it as by those who do not. It provides direct quotations from many of the important contributors to its subject, and concludes with a penetrating criticism of many of the recent contributions to the often acrimonious debates about science and religions.

Contents:

Preface; 1. The Scientific Revolution; 2. The Human Condition; 3. The Nature of Mathematics; 4. Sense and Nonsense; 5. Science and Religion

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

1-282-73079-7

9786612730795

0-19-159156-4

OCLC:

664573050