First published 2015
Evolutionary biologist Jerry Coyne takes on the fundamental conflict between religious belief and scientific inquiry. He argues that efforts to reconcile faith with science inevitably fail because they rely on incompatible methods for determining truth. Coyne contrasts the reliable toolkit of science, grounded in reason and empirical investigation, with religious approaches that depend on faith, dogma, and revelation. He addresses a national context where most Americans reject evolution and politicians dismiss climate change. The author warns that religious influence increasingly shapes politics, education, medicine, and social policy in harmful ways. Coyne subjects religious truth claims to the same rigorous tests scientists use to establish facts about the natural world. He demonstrates how mistaking faith for fact damages both individuals and society when making crucial decisions about our world.
Genres: science, atheism, evolution, non-fiction, biology, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic
336 pages · Hardcover · Viking