Religion and Science by Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947)
Summary: Alfred North Whitehead, who was born in 1861 and passed away in 1947, wrote the article titled Religion and Science. The author talks about a dispute that arose following the release of Darwin's Origin of Species. This essay's topic deals with the compromise between science and religion.
The essayist uses definition, comparison, and contrast as rhetorical devices. Whitehead contrasts religion with science. He begins with a remark about religion before moving on to science. He claims that a comparison is made to show the contrasts and similarities between science and religion and asserts that both share the idea of evolution. In this regard, they are comparable. The author of the essay argues in favor of the idea that "Clash of Doctrines is not a calamity." It implies that contrast leads to fresh ideas that challenge valuable beliefs. The article is successful because it uses comparison, contrast, and definition to help readers understand religion and science's differences and commonalities. As a result, this essay is effective not only because of what it is about but also because of how it is presented. Anyway, the essay explores the debate that arose in the late 19th and early 20th centuries regarding the existence of religion and the development of science. The essayist contends that while there are differences between science and religion, these differences do not make science and religion opposing poles. Instead, people tend to think that while theology deals with the afterlife, science deals with the physical universe. Even though Whitehead had initially chosen skepticism, as he worked to create a paradigm that adequately accounted for both science and faith, his views on religion and God began to evolve.