Evolution as a Religion

According to The Guardian, Midgley is 'the foremost scourge of scientific pretentions in this country; someone whose wit is admired even by those who fee she sometimes oversteps the mark'. This book examines how science comes to be used as a substitute for religion and points out how badly that role distorts it. Her argument is flawlessly insightful: a punch, compelling, lively indictment of these misuses of science. Both the book and its author are true classics of our time.

`... a graceful, refreshing and enlightening book, applied philosophy that is relevant, timely and metaphysical in the best sense' - New York Times Book Review

Autorentext

Mary Midgley (1919-2018) was one of the most renowned moral philosophers of her generation and the author of many books, including Beast and Man, Wickedness and The Myths We Live By. She has taken part in many broadcast events, including The Moral Maze and Woman's Hour.

Klappentext

According to The Guardian, Midgley is 'the foremost scourge of scientific pretentions in this country; someone whose wit is admired even by those who fee she sometimes oversteps the mark'. This book examines how science comes to be used as a substitute for religion and points out how badly that role distorts it. Her argument is flawlessly insightful: a punch, compelling, lively indictment of these misuses of science. Both the book and its author are true classics of our time.

Zusammenfassung
In "Evolution as a Religion", Mary Midgley examines how science comes to be used as a substitute for religion and points out how badly that role distorts it. She exposes the illogical logic of poor doctrines that shelter themselves behind the prestige of science.

Inhalt

Introduction; Chapter 1 Evolutionary Dramas; Chapter 2 Do Science and Religion Compete?; Chapter 3 Demarcation Disputes; Chapter 4 The Irresistible Escalator; Chapter 5 Choosing a World; Chapter 6 The Problem of Direction; Chapter 7 Scientist and Superscientist; Chapter 8 Dazzling Prospects; Chapter 9 Black Holes; Chapter 10 Freedom and the Monte Carlo Drama; Chapter 11 Scientific Education and Human Transience; Chapter 12 Mixed Antitheses; Chapter 13 Science, Scepticism and Awe; Chapter 14 The Service of Self and the Service of Kali; Chapter 15 Who or what is Selfish?; Chapter 16 Dreaming and Waking; Chapter 17 The Limits of Individualism; Chapter 18 The Vulnerable World and Its Claims on US;