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Bertrand Russell
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Religion and Science 2nd Revised ed. Edition

by Bertrand Russell (Author), Michael Ruse (Introduction)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 50 ratings
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In this timely work, Russell, philosopher, agnostic, mathematician, and renowned peace advocate, offers a brief yet insightful study of the conflicts between science and traditional religion during the last four centuries. Examining accounts in which scientific advances clashed with Christian doctrine or biblical interpretations of the day, from Galileo and the Copernican Revolution, to the medical breakthroughs of anesthesia and inoculation, Russell points to the constant upheaval and reevaluation of our systems of belief throughout history. In turn, he identifies where similar debates between modern science and the Church still exist today. Michael Ruse's new introduction brings these conflicts between science and theology up to date, focusing on issues arising after World War II.
This classic is sure to interest all readers of philosophy and religion, as well as those interested in Russell's thought and writings.
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  1. ISBN-10
    0195115511
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0195115512
  3. Edition
    2nd Revised ed.
  4. Publisher
    Oxford University Press
  5. Publication date
    May 29, 1997
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    8.01 x 0.51 x 5.36 inches
  8. Print length
    272 pages
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for earlier editions:
"Mr. Russell succeeds in investing the subject with a fresh interest....Even on the points on which one disagrees--and in a book of this type there will necessarily be many--the discussion is always acute and illuminating. Mr. Russell has endeavored to state opposing points of view with fairness."--Henry Hazlitt, The New York Times

Book Description

New editions of two classic works by Bertrand Russell

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press; 2nd Revised ed. edition (May 29, 1997)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0195115511
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0195115512
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.01 x 0.51 x 5.36 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 50 ratings

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Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russell

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Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970). Philosopher, mathematician, educational and sexual reformer, pacifist, prolific letter writer, author and columnist, Bertrand Russell was one of the most influential and widely known intellectual figures of the twentieth century. In 1950 he was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature in 1950 for his extensive contributions to world literature and for his "rationality and humanity, as a fearless champion of free speech and free thought in the West."

Photo by Photographer not identified (Bertrand Russell (1916). Justice in War-Time.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
50 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jeffery W. Sacher
5.0 out of 5 stars Responsible Seller
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2021
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This was a somewhat rare book in the hardback. It was first published in 1936, though this was a 1956 reprint. Given this, it was reasonably priced. It arrived quickly. It was well packaged. And it was in the condition advertised.
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TW
4.0 out of 5 stars A Quality Look at the History of Religion and Science
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2009
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Bertrand Russell reflects on the conflicts of science and religion by outlining the history of each. Although Russell is a renowned critical thinker and agnostic proponent of science, his presentation is closer to a historical account rather than a one-sided argument. He finds faults and praise for both science and religion and views their respective conflicts in relation to the thought process of societies at their respective time periods.

Religion has been mainstream for at least two millenniums and as Russell points out it has only been in the last two centuries that science has gained considerable influence. For two thousand years even Aristotle's views on falling objects was considered unquestionably valid until simple scientific experiments proved his faulty lines of reason. The history of religion has also evolved throughout the ages, but unlike science there are no definitive tests that influence the lines of reason, there are only common accepted beliefs and faiths. Russell asserts it is this difference that is as the core of the conflict of between science and religion; a clash made most famous by Galileo's persecution for his pronouncement that the earth was not the center of the universe.

Russell's' philosophical views are as relevant today as in the early parts of the 20th century when this piece was written. He capably conveys the importance of looking back into history to better grasp the integrity of our own views. Anyone with an interest in these subjects will find Religion and Science worthwhile and enjoyable.
2 people found this helpful
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G. Burks
5.0 out of 5 stars Betrand is not an easy read!
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2020
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However this book I couldn't put down. He makes a lot of sense. Now keep in mind since Betrand Science and Religion has changed a lot. But the perspective he has is valuable.
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Lauro Garcia
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent way to write the support for scientific view
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2014
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Excellent way to write the support for scientific view, and elegant way to put the lack of support of religión standpoint
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Bruce
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Time; but not the deepest philosophic treatment of the topic
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2015
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Not sure that this book needs a review. It is a seminal work on the topic. Russell is an avowed agnostic, so it shouldn't come a surprise that he views this topic from a "conflict theory" perspective. He lays out the usual arguments, but provides a nice wrap up with his lucid arguments in favor of a huminist/rational ethic. It was a very easy read, nothing too heavy, but engrossing.
One person found this helpful
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Bryan Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2018
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Excellent
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Rasih Bensan
3.0 out of 5 stars Content and heading do not match
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2009
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There is no doubt that Bertrand Russel is one of the greatest philosophers of the 20th century. However, I was dissapointed in his book titled Religion and Science. Because my expectation was to learn in detail about the various battles between religion and science throughout history. Bertrand Russel talks about them briefly in the beginning of the book then devotes a major part of his book to a deep philosophy of science. In the beginning he skims over Galileo's conviction by the church for claiming that the Earth revolves around the sun not the other way around, Darwin's theory of Evolution versus Intelligent Design held by religious creationists, that Christianity deemed slicing of human cadavre for the study of anatomy a sin and in contrast with scientific psychological methods religion dealt with insanity through exorcism, claiming that the person was possesed. Although he had written this book in the 1930's those or similar conflicts between religion and science have been continuing since then and still do currently in the beginning of the 21st century.

All these are fine but the title and introduction of the book promise a much more detailed treatment of these subjects which is lacking. Bertrand Russel's analysis of the philosophy of science is no doubt based on his profound knowledge of the subject. But the language he uses is too heavy and difficult to comprehend. It is a pity that great thinkers are not always great communicators ; they often do not have good writing skills. Great ideas should be communicated with a simple language to the general public. Otherwise the general public is deprived of their good ideas or has to learn about them not from the originator of the ideas but from other authors who have better writing skills. Albert Einstein also attempted to write a book about his theories of relativity for the general public but with such long sentences and bad writing that most people have to learn about his theories from better writers. I wish Bertrand Russel had written this book with a simpler structure. Being complicated is not a virtue, being simple is a virtue. I recommend a book by Edward de Bono named Simplicity that explains this point very well.
10 people found this helpful
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Gregory M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2017
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great
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Sandra Osborne i
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read Bertram Russell's religion and scienc
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 11, 2013
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Excellent easily understood without being condescending. I enjoyed this book as it covered
Everything I needed to know about this subject.
One person found this helpful
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S P Mead
4.0 out of 5 stars an enjoyable read - but somewhat insubstantial
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2017
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This is a well-written book that briefly explores the aspects of the history of ideas and institutions relating to both religion and science. Russell writes in an engaging manner, always lucid and highly logical, and focuses on religion and science in the modern western world. As such, by 'religion' Russell is concerned with Christianity; and by 'science' he's interested in the natural and physical sciences (such as physics and astronomy). In consequence, this rather short book omits much that might have been embraced under the given title (such as other religions and the social sciences). Nonetheless, what Russell does examine is insightfully discussed.

Russell has presented his personal views on religion in another publication - see  Why I am not a Christian: And Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects (Routledge Classics)  - and here he adopts a more objective position. His aim is to explore the developments that have taken place in Christian thinking and practice during recent centuries, looking at the impact of the developments that have occurred in the sciences. And the central thesis is that as scientific knowledge has grown, and as scientific practice has become a common feature of life in modern society, so the Christian religion has declined - becoming increasingly superfluous. The inconsistencies and contradictions that exist between religion and science are highlighted, and Russell advances the merits of an atheist position.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this short book. Yet it's now rather dated ... given that it was written some 70-odd years ago. Additionally, I would have preferred a more in-depth exploration and analysis. As it is, Russell tends to briefly describe things - rather than presenting a detailed critique. Nonetheless, I do recommend this book.
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Saad Kamoona
4.0 out of 5 stars Item alkost as described.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2019
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Book condition was ok.
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