Religion, Eugenics, Science And Mathematics

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"Religion, Eugenics, Science and Mathematics examines the dynamic relationship between religion, on the one hand, and science and mathematics, on the other, on historic and conceptual grounds. It focuses on Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam together with various shades of secularism, including Marxism. Where relevant, other faiths are integrated into the analysis. The doctrine of eugenics, which culminated in the Nazi era extermination pogroms, reveals the complexity of the relationship between religion and science. Building on the foundation laid in his earlier work, Religion, Politics and Society, the author complements analysis with anecdotes, peruses scriptures but also explores practice, and compares the beliefs and lives of scientists with those of religious luminaries. Using an interdisciplinary approach, and a host of case studies, he addresses seven basic queries: Are religion and science mutually exclusive, opposing entities? Do divine beings and divine realms exist? Are science and religion valid but different forms of truth? What are the societal roles of science and religion? Can science provide a tenable, exalted code of ethics? What are the futures of religion and science? Can religion and science cooperate in resolving the daunting, existential problems facing humanity today? The ultimate message is that science and religion can exist harmoniously on the moral plane and the primary obstacle facing human progress today is neither religion nor science, but the dominant neo-liberal system that generates vast inequality, deep social divisions, including religious divisions, and a callous disregard for the global biosphere. Written in an approachable style, the book is primarily aimed at general readers, both secularists and people of varied faiths. Though it is based on secondary sources, experts and scholars in the field may also find it of interest due to its unconventional approach and the diversity of evidence it marshals."-- Provided by publisher