Mechanistic Biology And The Religious Consciousness

Mechanistic Biology and the Religious Consciousness is a book written by Joseph Needham, a British biochemist and historian of science. The book explores the relationship between science and religion, specifically focusing on the impact of mechanistic biology on religious beliefs. Needham argues that the rise of mechanistic biology in the 17th and 18th centuries led to a reductionist view of life, which challenged traditional religious beliefs about the nature of the universe and humanity's place in it. Needham examines the history of mechanistic biology and its impact on religious thought, drawing on examples from the works of scientists such as Descartes, Boyle, and Newton. He also explores the responses of religious thinkers to the challenges posed by mechanistic biology, including the emergence of new religious movements and the development of new theological concepts. Throughout the book, Needham argues that science and religion are not necessarily incompatible, and that a deeper understanding of both can lead to a more holistic view of the world. He suggests that a more nuanced approach to science and religion can help us to better understand our place in the universe and our relationship to the divine. Overall, Mechanistic Biology and the Religious Consciousness is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between science and religion, and the ways in which these two fields of inquiry have shaped our understanding of the world.THIS 44 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Science Religion and Reality, by Joseph Needham. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766129160.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.