Writing with bracing intelligence and elegant clarity, Gould sheds new light on a dilemma that has plagued thinking people since the Renaissance. Instead of choosing between science and religion, Gould asks, why not opt for a golden mean that accords dignity and distinction to each realm?At the heart of Gould's penetrating argument is a lucid, contemporary principle he calls NOMA (for non-overlapping magisteria) - a 'blessedly simple and entirely conventional resolution' that allows science and religion to coexist peacefully in a position of respectful non-interference. Science defines the natural world; religion, our moral world, in recognition of their separate...Read more
Writing with bracing intelligence and elegant clarity, Gould sheds new light on a dilemma that has plagued thinking people since the Renaissance. Instead of choosing between science and religion, Gould asks, why not opt for a golden mean that accords dignity and distinction to each realm?At the heart of Gould's penetrating argument is a lucid, contemporary principle he calls NOMA (for non-overlapping magisteria) - a 'blessedly simple and entirely conventional resolution' that allows science and religion to coexist peacefully in a position of respectful non-interference. Science defines the natural world; religion, our moral world, in recognition of their separate spheres of influence. In elaborating and exploring this thought-provoking concept, Gould delves into the history of science, sketching affecting portraits of scientists and moral leaders wrestling with matters of faith and reason. Stories of seminal figures such as Galileo, Darwin and Thomas Henry Huxley make vivid his argument that individuals and cultures must cultivate both a life of the spirit and a life of rational inquiry in order to experience the fullness of being human. In Rocks of Ages, Gould's passionate humani
- ISBN10 0224060929
- ISBN13 9780224060929
- Publish Date 1 February 2001
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 10 August 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Vintage Publishing
- Imprint Jonathan Cape Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 256
- Language English