The Freedom of Science by Josef Donat

(6 User reviews)   2395
Donat, Josef, 1868-1946 Donat, Josef, 1868-1946
English
Ever feel like science and religion are constantly fighting? In 'The Freedom of Science,' written in 1914, Josef Donat jumps right into this old battle. He's a priest and a scientist, so he's got a foot in both worlds. The book isn't about proving one side wrong. Instead, Donat asks a tough question: Can science truly be free if it has to answer to religious authority? And can faith survive if it ignores what science discovers? It's a surprisingly balanced look at a conflict that's still raging today, written by someone who genuinely understood both sides of the argument.
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First Section. The Freedom of Science and its Philosophical Basis. Chapter I. Science And Freedom. Chapter II. Two Views Of The World And Their Freedom. Chapter III. Subjectivism And Its Freedom. Second Section. Freedom of Research and Faith. Chapter I. Research And Faith In General. Chapter II. The Authority Of Faith And The Free Exercise Of Research. Chapter III. Unprepossession Of Research. Chapter IV. Accusations And Objections. Chapter V. The Witnesses of the Incompatibility Of Science And Faith. Third Section. The Liberal Freedom of Research. Chapter I. Free From The Yoke Of The Supernatural. Chapter II. The Unscientific Method. Chapter III. The Bitter Fruit. Fourth Section. Freedom of Teaching. Chapter I. Freedom Of Teaching And Ethics. Chapter II. Freedom Of Teaching And The State. Fifth Section. Theology. Chapter I. Theology And Science. Chapter II. Theology And University. Index. Footnotes IMPRIMATUR. Nihil Obstat REMIGIUS LAFORT, D.D. _Censor_ Imprimatur JOHN CARDINAL FARLEY _Archbishop of New York_ NEW YORK, January 22, 1914. COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY JOSEPH F. WAGNER, NEW YORK AUTHOR’S PREFACE TO THE ENGLISH EDITION. The present work has already secured many friends in German Europe. An invitation has now been extended for its reception among the English-speaking countries, with the object that there, too, it may seek readers and friends, and communicate to them its thoughts—the ideas it has to convey and to interpret. While wishing it heartfelt success and good fortune on its journey, the Author desires it to convey his greetings to its new readers. This book has issued from the throes of dissension and strife, seeing the light at a time when, in Austria and Germany, the bitter forces of opposition, that range themselves about the shibboleth _Freedom of Science_, were seen engaging in a combat of fiercer intensity than ever. Yet, notwithstanding, this Child of Strife has learned the language of Peace only. It speaks the language of an impartial objectivity which endeavours, in a spirit of unimpassioned, though earnest, calm, to range itself over the burning questions of the day—over those great _Weltanschauung_ questions, that stand in such close relation with the compendious motto: _Freedom of Science_. Yes, _Freedom_ and _Science_ serve, in our age and on both sides of the Atlantic, as trumpet-calls, to summon together—often indeed to pit in deadly combat—the rival forces of opposition. They are catch-words that tend to hold at fever-pitch the intellectual life of modern civilization—agents as they are of such mighty and far-reaching influences. On the one hand, Science, whence the moving and leading ideas of the time take shape and form to go forth in turn and subject to their sway the intellect of man; on the other, Freedom—that Freedom of sovereign emancipation, that Christian Freedom of well-ordered self-development, which determine the actions, the strivings of the human spirit, even as they control imperceptibly the march of Science. While the present volume is connected with this chain of profound problems, it becomes, of itself, a representation of the intellectual life of our day, with its far-reaching philosophical questions, its forces of struggle and opposition, its dangers, and deep-seated evils. The Author has a lively recollection of an expression which he heard a few years ago, in a conversation with an American professor, then journeying in Europe. “Here, they talk of tolerance,” he observed, “while in America we put it into practice.” The catch-word _Freedom of Science_ will not, therefore, in _every_ quarter of the world, serve as a call to arms, causing the opposing columns to engage in mutual conflict, as is the case in many portions of Europe. But certain it is that everywhere alike—in the new...

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Written over a century ago, Josef Donat's The Freedom of Science tackles the timeless clash between faith and reason. Donat, who was both a Catholic priest and a respected scholar, uses this book to explore the boundaries and responsibilities of scientific inquiry within a religious framework. He argues that science must be free to follow evidence, but he also believes this freedom comes with a duty to truth, not chaos.

The Story

This isn't a novel with characters, but a clear, passionate argument. Donat lays out his case for why scientific research shouldn't be shackled by dogma. He walks through examples of past conflicts, showing how suppressing ideas hurts both science and, ultimately, a deeper understanding of faith. The 'story' is the journey of an idea—the fight for intellectual liberty—and why protecting it matters for everyone's future.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is Donat's unique perspective. He's not an outsider attacking religion, nor a believer dismissing science. He's in the messy middle, trying to build a bridge. Reading his careful arguments makes you think harder about today's debates, whether they're about evolution, climate science, or medical ethics. It's a reminder that these tensions aren't new, and that respectful dialogue is possible.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone curious about the history of ideas, or who gets frustrated by the modern 'science vs. religion' shouting matches. It's a thoughtful, surprisingly relevant book for readers interested in philosophy, history, or just understanding one of society's oldest conversations. You might not agree with all his conclusions, but you'll appreciate his sincere effort to find common ground.



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The copyright for this book has expired, making it public property. Preserving history for future generations.

Paul Ramirez
5 months ago

To be perfectly clear, the character development leaves a lasting impact. Exceeded all my expectations.

Matthew Smith
3 months ago

I have to admit, the author's voice is distinct and makes complex topics easy to digest. Thanks for sharing this review.

Joshua Jones
1 year ago

I had low expectations initially, however it creates a vivid world that you simply do not want to leave. Don't hesitate to start reading.

Andrew Garcia
1 year ago

Based on the summary, I decided to read it and it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. Exceeded all my expectations.

Michelle Gonzalez
5 months ago

Simply put, the plot twists are genuinely surprising. Definitely a 5-star read.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (6 User reviews )

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