- Hardcover: 512 pages
- Publisher: Lion Hudson Plc (24 Aug 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0745912443
- ISBN-13: 978-0745912448
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 16 x 4.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 108,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Amazon.co.uk Review
The relationship between science and religion has, we have been led to believe, been fraught with conflict and enmity. Think again, argues Denis Alexander in Rebuilding the Matrix. This is a myth propagated by extremists from either side--but rarely by the "silent majority" of working scientists who have tired of the way science is hijacked for ideological ends. In this comprehensive and enlightening journey through the development of science and its relationship to "theism", Alexander suggests that there is in fact a positive "resonance" between faith and science that has been there all along. The objective search for knowledge is a "good" thing and has brought humankind vast benefits. Yet science needs a wider framework of reference--a "matrix" as he calls it--in which to work most fruitfully. Theism has the unified world view which in turn can provide that matrix. It affirms the validity of scientific knowledge, yet allows its discoveries to be channelled in ways "that affirm human value, justice and care for the environment". In the days of post-modern relativism, this is crucial. As science breaks new and seemingly dangerous ground, its work must not be carried out in a vacuum. The effects would--and could--otherwise be "dehumanising". Alexander provides a wealth of historical, theological and social background along the way. This very positive contribution will make you think hard about the knowledge you have inherited, the culture in which it is expressed, and the values that underpin it. Scientists and lay readers alike will find much to shape and shake their thinking. Prepare for a paradigm shift. --Brian Draper
Geoffrey Cantor, Nature, September 2001
‘timely... an introductory and wide-ranging text... Alexander’s contribution to science and religion helps to move the subject into the twenty-first century.’
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Balanced,
By A Customer
This review is from: Rebuilding the Matrix: Science and Faith in the 21st Century (Hardcover)
Alexander has written an excellent book on the relationship between science and religion. His analysis of how hardline evolutionary atheists and fundamentalist creationists have unwittingly helped to promote each other's cause is very good. He points out the deficiencies of both views and makes a compelling case for theistic evolution.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wide ranging yet in-depth. A must for every scientist.,
By M Taylor "zooluk" (Belfast) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Rebuilding the Matrix: Science and Faith in the 21st Century (Hardcover)
Every scientist - irrepsective of their personal worldview - should read this book.
Careful dissection of atheism and scientism (and their results) are honestly compared with the Theistic framework. Examination of the history of modern science reveals that science was incubated in a Theistic matrix. Philosophy of science is very well summarised. Post modernism is rejected in favour of a critical realist foundation - a view reflected by many others (eg McGrath, Polkinghorne etc.). The parallels between some aspects of scientific method and Theism are valid, providing foundations for future work. I especially enjoyed Chapter 8 - "Reweaving The Rainbow" with its emphasis on the complementarity of scientific and religious knowledge. Areas covered include: critical realism, cohernce, common sense, objectivity, refutation, committment, scientism, models. A fully descriptive view of the world is multi-level. Chapters 9 & 10 deal with the accepted paradigm of evolutionary biology. A mainstream Thesitic view of creation is presented and religious implications examined (Paley, Dawkins, Deism, recent creationsim). Chapter 11 critiques evolutionary naturalism ie the attempt to construct a worldview on the explanatory powers of evolutionary theory (eg Michael Ruse). There is a clear call to endorse scientific method : though not be at the expense of abandoning a unified worldview. A Theistic framework provides "a matrix for science in which the validity of scientific knowledge is justified and in which the fruits of scientific discoveries are channelled in ways that affirm human value, justice and care for the environment." This work was illuminating. Yes it repeated much of what I have read in history & philosophy of science, cosmology, theology, biology/evolutionary studies - but in a very accessible manner; succinct yet enough depth/clarity for a full understanding of the issues (with refernces to other work to delve deeper). Minor niggles are lack of an alphabetic bibliography and some diagrams/illustrations. The price of the book is excellent relative to the amount/depth of its content. If this is the kind of thoughtful in-depth work produced by members of CIS -I want to read and learn much more.... A must-have for those exploring the interface between science - theology. Those holding exclusive views (eg Atheists and young earth creationists) would benefit greatly. Many scientists busy within their specialist area often lack time to read about overarching issues - I would strongly recommend this book to every working scientist.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing,
By
This review is from: Rebuilding the Matrix: Science and Faith in the 21st Century (Hardcover)
I was hoping for a thorough, balanced book on the relation between religion and science and this book does go some way to acheiving that.
However, I refuse to rate it highly due to the author's shocking misunderstanding of certain theories. At least I hope it is misunderstanding because if not, the author is puposely 'cherry-picking' quotes and misrepresenting other authors' work to support his own claims. I have only read 2 of the books that he seems to misunderstand - 'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins and 'Practical Ethics' by Peter Singer. In Dawkin's case the author seems to not understand the idea that genes are not 'selfish' in the human interpretation of the word and then goes on to show a complete lack of comprehension regarding the nature of memes. The author seems to have an intense dislike for Singer and makes claims about him based on theoretical philosophical arguments made in 'Practical Ethics', although I believe others have made the same assumptions by not having a good understanding of the comparisons within the book. Other authors are quoted and theories outlined, but I can't judge these having not read them myself. Based on the fact that the 2 I have read are misrepresented i can only assume that other authors have suffered in the same way. This probably explains why the book is no longer in print despite some very interesting and worthwhile ideas.
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