The Evolution Of Rationality: Interdisciplinary Essays In Honor Of J. Wentzel Van Huyssteen

Book Summary

How can science and religion move together toward a collegial future? J. Wentzel van Huyssteen has spent decades developing an interdisciplinary platform for the fruitful engagement of science and religion. Compiled to celebrate van Huyssteens 65th birthday, "The Evolution of Rationality" gathers a stellar roster of scholars in van Huyssteens main areas of philosophy, science, and theology. The contributors -- some of them Gifford lecturers and Templeton Prize winners -- offer significant new methodological and material proposals, giving evidence of van Huyssteens impact on the shape and texture of interdisciplinary conversation itself. Their essays are arranged in three parts: modern and postmodern philosophical challenges to our understanding of rationalityscientific, evolutionary perspectives on the nature and development of human rationality in relation to religionreligious and theological explorations of the evolution of rationality However, because the authors are all involved in interdisciplinary dialogue, this philosophical-scientific-theological arrangement of chapters is not hard and fast. Virtually every essay engages issues that overlap all three fields, forming an extremely rich blend of thought. A creative interdisciplinary collection written by world-renowned philosophers, scientists, and theologians, "The Evolution of Rationality" renders fitting tribute to pioneering scholar-mentor J. Wentzel van Huyssteen. Contributors: John Hedley Brooke Delwin Brown Philip Clayton Jean Clottes F. W. Dobbs-Allsopp David Fergusson Niels Henrik Gregersen David Lewis-Williams George Newlands Richard Robert Osmer Arthur Peacocke Kenneth A.Reynhout Holmes Rolston III Michael Ruse Calvin O. Schrag F. LeRon Shults Christopher Southgate Michael L. Spezio Mikael Stenmark Jerome A. Stone Ian Tattersall Roger Trigg Keith Ward Wesley J. Wildman How can science and religion move together towards a collegial future? J. Wentzel van Huyssteen spent decades developing an interdisciplinary platform for the fruitful engagement of science and religion. In this honorific volume, his protigi F. LeRon Shults has gathered a chorus of excellent voices in van Huyssteen's main areas of philosophy, science, and religion. The contributors offer significant new methodological and material proposals, giving evidence to van Huyssteen's impact on the shape and texture of interdisciplinary conversation itself. Part 1 focuses primarily on philosophical challenges to our understanding of rationality raised by evolutionary theory, social science, and the shape of postmodern culture. Part 2 explores how discoveries in sciences may illuminate our understanding of the nature and development of human rationality. Part 3 focuses more specifically on religious and theological issues in the interdisciplinary dialogue. However, each essay invariably engages issues that overlap all three fields, forming an extremely rich mix/weave/blend. Sure to delight all who long to see these traditional sparring partners united, "The Evolution of Rationality" renders fitting tribute to one of the brightest lights in theology today.

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