Week5 Homework: Summary on "what is science by Asimov" and "what is religion by Richard Sneed"

Summary on "what is science by Asimov"

The paper "what is science" by Asimov does not give a concrete de nition for science, but treating
science in the context of history. Although no one can really feel what is
science, the initiation into the magni cent world of science brings great es-
thetic satisfaction, inspiration to youth, ful llment of the desire to know, and
a deeper appreciation of the wonderful potentialities and achievements of the
human mind.

The author introduced "what is science" from the concept of curiosity,
the desire to know. The desire to know, that is philosophia, seems to lead
into successive realms of greater etherealization and more ecient occupa-
tion of the mind. The author descripted it from the Greek myths, which is
seemed to be the prettiest and the most sophisticated in our literary and cul-
tural heritage. After solved the problems of mathematics and astronomy, the
Greeks turned to more subtle and challenging elds of knowledge, and seeked
the virtual of nature. But currently, the publication by scientists becomes
so unreadable for anyone but their fellow specialists. Much work should be
accomplished toward bridging the gap of communication between scientists
and the public.

Summary on "what is religion by Richard Sneed"

This article describes the real polarity between religion and science, and why they need to keep talking to one another. The author suggests that religion is an ancient and respectable explanation for the world and our place in it, which is not the only one explanation. The religion does not have all the answers because it is by no means clear that it has asked all the questions. The dispute between religion and science is very much like a sibling rivalry, and that the two are very similar in many ways. It is worth that It is a mistake for religion to score science; it is equally a mistake for science to score religion.

Comparison

Science has had a complex relationship with religion; reli-
gious doctrines and motivations have sometimes in
uenced scienti c devel-
opment, while scienti c knowledge has had e ects on religious beliefs. Just
as the suggestion of Richard Sneed, science and religion should listen and
learn from each other.

References

1.Isaac Asimov, \Asimov's Guide to Science", Basic books,
Inc. Publishers.
2.Richard Sneed, \What is religion",
http://www.theharbinger.org/articles/rel sci/sneed.html