Description
Book SynopsisFor centuries, science and religion have been portrayed as diametrically opposed. In this provocative new book, Steve Fuller examines the apparent clash between science and religion by focusing on the heated debates about evolution and intelligent design theory. In so doing, he claims that science vs. religion is in fact a false dichotomy.
Trade Review"A balanced, detailed and well-presented introduction to all aspects of the argument."
Father John-Paul Sheridan, Sunday Business Post
"An engaging book. It will provide fuel for Fuller’s critics who have accused him of 'pomo science' (postmodern science); energize ID theorists in their efforts to 'widen the wedge'; and serve food for thought for those still sitting 'on the fence' between ID and mainstream science. These are marks of a good book."
Science in Christian Perspective
“Steve Fuller’s book is a philosophic and historical tour de force. I know no other book that provides such a balanced, timely, in-depth, account of the historical and philosophic origins and affiliations of contemporary Intelligent Design (ID) and Darwinism. Each chapter is informative, sharply analytic, provocative, probing, witty and superbly written. The historical roots of modern science in ID thinking that Fuller traces will be a much-needed eye-opener to many and a wholesome antidote to the historical amnesia that characterizes most contemporary discussion of the scientific status of ID and of Darwinian theory.”
John Angus Campbell, Memphis State University
“Whether you are outraged by ‘Intelligent Design’ theory or annoyed by the attacks on it, Fuller’s book is an indispensable guide to the controversy. He manages to not only supply the intellectual context, showing how much of this debate is traditional and how much is new, but makes clear what is reasonable on both sides, and why the debate matters so much to us.”
William Keith, University of Wisconsin
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1
1 Historical Bases for the Problem 11
2 Ideological Dimensions of the Problem 44
3 Complexity as a Conceptual Battleground 69
4 America as a Legal Battleground 90
5 Life after Darwinism 126
Conclusion: The Larger Lessons 159
Bibliography 165
Index 178
