The Freedom of Science by Josef Donat

(9 User reviews)   3915
Donat, Josef, 1868-1946 Donat, Josef, 1868-1946
English
Ever wonder why science and religion always seem to be fighting? Josef Donat wrote this book over a century ago, but it feels like he's talking about today's headlines. He was a Catholic priest who also loved science, and he wanted to prove they didn't have to be enemies. The book is his deep dive into that messy, complicated, and often frustrating relationship. It's not a dry lecture; it's more like sitting down with a really smart, thoughtful friend who's trying to make sense of a huge problem. If you've ever felt caught between faith and facts, this old book might just have some surprisingly fresh answers.
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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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Josef Donat, writing in the early 1900s, tackles the age-old tension head-on. He was a man of two worlds: a devout Catholic priest and a scholar with a deep respect for scientific discovery. The book is his attempt to build a bridge between these two powerful forces in human life.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot with characters. Instead, Donat walks us through the history of the conflict, from Galileo to Darwin. He looks at where science and Catholic theology have clashed, but more importantly, he points out where they've agreed or could support each other. He argues that true science and true faith are both searching for truth, just in different ways. The 'story' is really the journey of his argument, trying to find peaceful co-existence in a battlefield of ideas.

Why You Should Read It

What struck me is how relevant it still is. The battles over teaching evolution or the ethics of new technology show this isn't just history. Donat writes with a calm, logical voice. He's not trying to 'win' for one side, but to find understanding. Reading it feels like getting a masterclass in how to have a respectful debate on the toughest topics. It challenges you to think, not just react.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious minds who are tired of the usual shouting matches. If you're interested in history, philosophy, or current events, this book offers a unique and thoughtful perspective. It's a bit of a time capsule, but the questions it asks are timeless. Just be ready for some serious thinking—it's not a light beach read, but it's absolutely worth the effort.



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Anthony Harris
1 year ago

Read this on my tablet, looks great.

Betty Wilson
4 weeks ago

I stumbled upon this title and the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. Highly recommended.

Richard Jackson
10 months ago

I stumbled upon this title and the author's voice is distinct and makes complex topics easy to digest. A true masterpiece.

Charles Torres
1 year ago

Recommended.

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5 out of 5 (9 User reviews )

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