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...

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...

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

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...

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of utopianism, tracing its evolution from the Renaissance through the 20th century. It examines the roots of utopian thought in classical and religious traditions, delves into the flourishing of utopian literature during the Renaissance, and considers the impact of the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution on modern utopian visions.

Fly-tippers cause havoc when they dump toxic waste on an unsupervised land-fill next to the old farm. Creatures start dropping like flies as the poison spreads. Animal meetings are held and the word goes out; Fly, walk, waddle, but take the next bus out.Myrtle Mouse and her surviving kid brother, Wilbur, are one of the last to leave their home. Joined by Thomas Rat and Maurice Mole they attempt the long and hazardous journey to a distant quarry encountering numerous adventures alon...

25-year-old Fae finds herself spending Christmas alone, contemplating her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder and how these battles have prised her family apart. She decided to seize her own demons and uprooted her life to Ljianstipol, a place where she spent a lot of her teenage years in an experimental mental healthcare facility. With determination, courage, and a thrust for a 'normal' life, not only is she now living in Ljianstipol but also working at the same mental healthca...

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...

This book explores the origins, development, and legacy of Catalan Humanism, situating it within the broader context of the European Renaissance and its interactions with Italian Humanism. Catalan Humanism, emerging in the late 14th and 15th centuries, represents a unique cultural movement that sought to revive classical learning while celebrating the vernacular Catalan language and the region's distinctive identity. Through a detailed analysis of key figures such as Bernat Metge, Joan Roí...

Faith and Nation explores the intricate and evolving relationship between religion and society throughout American history, tracing its influence from pre-colonial indigenous spirituality to the dynamic religious landscape of the 21st century. The book examines the role of religion in shaping the nation's social, political, and cultural development, highlighting key movements such as the Puritan settlement, the Great Awakenings, the rise of evangelicalism, and the emergence of new religiou...

This book offers an in-depth psychological and philosophical analysis of the Halo universe, exploring its rich and complex narrative through the lenses of identity, free will, ethics, and survival. As a popular science fiction franchise, Halo presents more than just interstellar warfare and alien conflicts; it delves into profound questions about the human condition, the nature of consciousness, and the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced technology.Through detailed analysis of cent...