Biology, Religion, and Philosophy
Biology, Religion, and Philosophy
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The intersection of biology and religion has spawned exciting new areas of academic research that raise issues central to understanding our own humanity and the living world. In this comprehensive and accessible survey, Michael L. Peterson and Dennis R. Venema explain the engagement between biology and religion on issues related to origins, evolution, design, suffering and evil, progress and purpose, love, humanity, morality, ecology, and the nature of religion itself. Does life have a chemical origin - or must there be a divine spark? How can religious claims about divine goodness be reconciled with widespread predation, suffering, and death in the animal kingdom? Peterson and Venema develop a philosophical discussion around such controversial questions. The book situates each topic in its historical, scientific, and theological context, making it the perfect introduction for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, scholars, and the interested general reader.
- Surveys a large number of important topics in the interface between biology and religion
- Assumes no extensive background in any field involved
- Interacts with the major voices and positions in contemporary debates
- Includes a glossary and an extensive index
Reviews & endorsements
‘… clearly written and carefully organized, with a useful glossary and a brief up-to-date bibliography of further reading …’ Glenn Branch, The Quarterly Review of Biology
Product details
- Published: April 2021
- Format: Paperback
- ISBN: 9781107667846
- Length: 284 pages
- Dimensions: 245 × 170 × 15 mm
- Weight: 0.5kg
- Availability: Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Part I. General Issues:
- 1. Science, Biology, and Religion
- 2. The Origin and Nature of Life
- 3. The Question of Design in Living Systems
- 4. Biology and the Problem of Natural Evil
- 5. Progress, Purpose, and Providence
- Part II. Religion and Human Biology:
- 6. Human Nature and Human Uniqueness
- 7. Love and Altruism in Biology and Religion
- 8. Biology, Ethics, and Debunking Arguments
- 9. Biological Accounts of Religion
- 10. Humanity, Religion, and the Environment.
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