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Book Cover
E-book
Author Polkinghorne, J. C., 1930-2021.

Title Beyond science : the wider human context / John Polkinghorne
Published Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 1996

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Description 1 online resource (xii, 131 pages)
Contents 1. Is science enough? -- 2. Understanding the physical world -- 3. Working together -- 4. Memoirs of the great -- 4. What happened to the human mind? -- 6. What does it mean? -- 7. Ultimate questions -- 8. Is, ought and wonder -- 9. Responsible behaviour
Summary "Science is very successful in discovering the structure and history of the physical world. However, there is more to be told of the encounter with reality, including the nature of scientific inquiry itself, than can be gained from impersonal experience and experimental test alone. Beyond Science considers the human context in which science operates and pursues that wider understanding which we all seek. It looks to issues of meaning and value, intrinsic to scientific practice but excluded from science's consideration by its own self-denying ordinance. The author raises the question of the significance of the deep mathematical intelligibility of the physical world and its anthropically fruitful history. He considers how we may find responsible ways to use the power that science places in human hands. Science is portrayed as an activity of individuals, pursued within a convivial and truth-seeking community." "This book neither overvalues science (as if it were the only worthwhile source of knowledge) nor devalues it (as if it were to be treated with suspicion or not taken seriously). Rather, Beyond Science provides a considered and balanced account that firmly asserts science's place in human culture, maintained in mutually illuminating relationships with other aspects of that culture."--Jacket
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes Print version record
Subject Science -- Philosophy.
Science -- Social aspects
Science -- sociology
SCIENCE -- Essays.
SCIENCE -- Nanoscience.
SCIENCE -- Reference.
Science -- Philosophy
Science -- Social aspects
Kultur
Naturwissenschaften
Philosophie
Soziale Situation
Natuurwetenschappen.
Wetenschapsfilosofie.
Form Electronic book
ISBN 0511001312
9780511001314