An "extremely rewarding" exploration of how these two great human endeavors can not only coexist but enrich each other ( Times Literary Supplement).The conflict between science and religion seems indelible, even eternal. Surely two such divergent views of the universe have always been in fierce opposition? Actually, that's not the case, says Peter Harrison: Our very concepts of science and religion are relatively recent, emerging only in the past three hund...

This book explores the history, concepts, and enduring influence of Gnosticism, tracing its evolution from ancient origins to its manifestations in contemporary culture. Gnosticism, characterized by its emphasis on hidden knowledge (gnosis), cosmic dualism, and the soul's quest for liberation, has shaped spiritual, philosophical, and cultural landscapes for millennia. Beginning with its roots in Jewish apocalypticism, Hellenistic philosophy, and early Christianity, the book examin...

Cognition Switch: An Artefact for the Transmission of New IdeasIssue #1: December 2018Featuring Ideas by: Peter Harrison, Marcel Zentner, George Zarkadakisis, Danielle Celermajer, Paul Raeburn, Scott Samuelson, Nicolas Langlitz, Andrew Taggart, Donald S Lopez Jr, and Regina Rini

Essays that explore how Protestants responded to the opportunities and perils of revolution in the transatlantic ageRevolution as Reformation: Protestant Faith in the Age of Revolutions, 1688–1832 highlights the role that Protestantism played in shaping both individual and collective responses to revolution. These essays explore the various ways that the Protestant tradition, rooted in a perpetual process of recalibration and reformulation, provided the le...

This book explores the intricate tapestry of thought that characterized the Renaissance, a period that marked the rebirth of classical philosophy and the flourishing of theological, mystical, and esoteric traditions. Blending the study of ancient Greek and Roman sources with contemporary Christian thought, Renaissance intellectuals sought to harmonize reason, faith, and mystical insight.At the heart of this work is an examination of the major philosophical movements of the Renaissa...

This book explores the rich historical, scientific, sociological, and psychological context of detective fiction from the late 19th to the early 20th century, examining how the genre evolved alongside the rapid societal changes of the time. Emerging in an era marked by urbanization, technological advances, and shifting social norms, detective fiction became a lens through which readers could confront the mysteries of their modern world. Through iconic characters like Sherlock Holmes, Hercu...

This book concerns the often fractious interface between drug discovery and commercialisation, environmental degradation, the biodiversity crisis, the exploitation of indigenous peoples and the destruction of their culture, the right to health, inequalities of power, and the ability of the law to protect knowledge.For millennia, medicinal plants have provided a trove of treatments for human ailments, and the key to that treasure has been the traditional knowledge o...

If China's space ambitions continue unchallenged, America will be seriously economically and militarily disadvantaged. This book provides a comprehensive strategy to secure U.S. primacy in the space domain.From Moon landings to plans for asteroid mining, China is beginning to exploit space to achieve its great power ambitions. Its strategy could, over time, severely and adversely impact U.S. economic and military security. The United States needs to structure its a...

In his famous argument against miracles, David Hume gets to the heart of the modern problem of supernatural belief. 'We are apt', says Hume, 'to imagine ourselves transported into some new world; where the whole form of nature is disjointed, and every element performs its operation in a different manner, from what it does at present.' This encapsulates, observes Peter Harrison, the disjuncture between contemporary Western culture and medieval societies. In the Middle Ages, people saw the h...

Wield your power for greater influence and impact.With formal authority comes power. But few people realize that informal power--the kind that doesn't come with a title--can have just as much impact. How do you use your power for greater influence?This book explains how power affects our emotions, our behavior, and how we work with others. You'll learn how to use self-awareness to keep your power in check, connect with the right people to create more value,...

The Middle Ages, often depicted as a time of knights, castles, and religious fervor, was also a period rich in storytelling. Legends and myths from this era were not merely products of imagination but served as a means for people to interpret their world, cope with hardship, and transmit cultural values. These stories provided a moral framework, explained natural phenomena, and linked the human experience with the divine. The blend of Christian beliefs with pagan traditions, classical heri...

In 1967, Werner Heisenberg--Nobel Prize-winning physicist and pioneer of quantum mechanics--received an unexpected letter from a young Italian Jesuit named Enrico Cantore. The letter, beginning simply with "Dear Professor Heisenberg," marked the start of a decade-long exchange focused on bringing to life a shared vision: scientific humanism. Drawing on newly uncovered materials from the Max Planck Institute Archives in Berlin, this book reveals a rarely seen side of Heisenberg--his role as...