Science & Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective, By Del Ratzsch

Science & Its Limits

The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective

Contours of Christian Philosophy

by Del Ratzsch

Science & Its Limits
paperback
  • Length: 191 pages
  • Dimensions: 5.5 × 8.25 in
  • Published: January 12, 2000
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • Item Code: 1580
  • ISBN: 9780830815807

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Science, especially naturalistic science, has come under fire of late. No longer does it command the near universal respect it once held. From the right has come a fresh attack on Darwinism and arguments for intelligent design. From the left postmodern theorists have attacked the very notion of objective truth claims, scientific or otherwise.

Into the fray Del Ratzsch breathes a breath of calm. He asks, What is science? What can it tell us? What can't it tell us? What challenges does it offer to Christian faith? How should a Christian respond?

Originally published under the title Philosophy of Science, this revised volume surveys how views of science have developed and changed over time, especially since the Kuhnian revolution of the 1960s. Now updated to reflect current discussions of intelligent design and postmodern views of science, Science and Its Limits offers readers a thoughtful perspective on contemporary trends and useful advice on how to approach faith and science issues.

"A first-rate introduction which is also an important contribution to the debate between science and religion."

Richard Purtill, Western Washington University

"Del Ratzsch sets out to develop an account of science that fits well with Christian commitment. He is eminently successful."

Alvin Plantinga, University of Notre Dame
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CONTENTS

Preface
1. Science: What Is It?
2. The Traditional Conception of Science
3. Philosophy of Science in the 1960s 1970s: Kuhn Beyond
4. The Contemporary Situation: A Brief Introduction
5. The Competence of Science: What Can It Tell Us?
6. The Limitations of Science: What Can It Not Tell Us?
7. "Scientific" Challenges to Religious Belief
8. Design Science
9. Christianity Scientific Pursuits
10. Christianity the Specific Content of Science: A Typology

Appendix: Speaking the Truth in Love: Some Thoughts About Feet

Notes

Further Reading

Index

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Del Ratzsch

Del Ratzsch earned a PhD in philosophy at the University of Massachusetts. He is professor of philosophy at Calvin College and author of The Philosophy of Science, as well as several other books. Much of Ratzsch's work over the last seventeen years at Calvin College has sought to relate science and religion (and more recently creation and evolution) in a way that is philosophically informed, scientifically defensible and theologically meaningful. Although Ratzsch is optimistic that design theory can avoid past mistakes in the creation-evolution controversy, he stresses that fundamental clarifying work remains to be done in this area.

Visit the Discovery Institute for more information about intelligent design and other recent scienctific research.