Science and Religion: Are They Compatible?

by Daniel C. Dennett, Alvin Plantinga

Overview

One of today's most controversial and heated issues is whether or not the conflict between science and religion can be reconciled. In Science and Religion: Are They Compatible?, renowned philosophers Daniel C. Dennett and Alvin Plantinga expand upon the arguments that they presented in an exciting live debate held at the 2009 American Philosophical Association Central Division conference.

An enlightening discussion that will motivate students to think critically, Science and Religion: Are They Compatible? opens with Plantinga's assertion that Christianity is compatible with evolutionary theory because Christians believe that God created the living world, and it is entirely possible that God did so by using a process of evolution. Dennett vigorously rejects this argument, provoking a reply from Plantinga, another response from Dennett, and final statements from both sides. As philosophers, the authors possess expert skills in critical analysis; their arguments provide a model of dialogue between those who strongly disagree. Ideal for courses in philosophy of religion, science and religion, and philosophy of science, Science and Religion is also captivating reading for general readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199738427
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/10/2010
Series:	Point/Counterpoint Series: Issues in Contemporary American Society
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Daniel C. Dennett is the Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies, University Professor, and Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University. He is the author of Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon (2006) and Freedom Evolves (2003).

Alvin Plantinga is John A. O'Brien Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of Essays in the Metaphysics of Modality (OUP, 2003) and Warranted Christian Belief (OUP, 2000).

Table of Contents

Foreword James P. Sterba vii

Chapter 1 Science and Religion: Where the Conflict Really Lies Alvin Plantinga 1

Chapter 2 Truths that Miss their Mark: Naturalism Unscathed Daniel C. Dennett 25

Chapter 3 Superman vs. God? Alvin Plantinga 39

Chapter 4 Habits of Imagination and their Effect on Incredulity: Reply to Plantinga (Essay 2) Daniel C. Dennett 45

Chapter 5 Naturalism Against Science Alvin Plantinga 57

Chapter 6 No Miracles Needed Daniel C. Dennett 73

Index 79

Editorial Reviews

"Given the stature of its two protagonists, this book will become something of an instant classic, occupying a unique and special place in the literature on this topic, and enjoying wide and long-lasting readership and usefulness as a supplementary text."—Gary Rosenkrantz, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

"This engaging little book treats key issues of chance and design in the science-religion dialogue. It would be appropriate for courses in the philosophy of religion, religion and culture, and science and religion. I would be highly likely to adopt the book in my philosophy of science course because it is brief, clear, and to the point."—Michael L. Peterson, Asbury College

From the Publisher