Salvation through science alone: the soteriological potential of science in case studies of Ursula Goodenough, Sam Harris, and E.O. Wilson

Thesis

Traditional religion has collapsed in the West, at least according to many theorists of the modern religious landscape such as Charles Taylor. This has led to a diversification of what Lois Lee has identified as existential cultures—tropes and communities that address the questions, frailties, and limitations of human life. Mary Midgley’s work on the culture of science has demonstrated that science is one such existential culture. Taking Midgley’s lead, this thesis explores the soteriologi...

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Authors: Ruper, S

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Lisa Sideris; Ursula Goodenough; science studies; theory of religion; soteriology; Sam Harris; evolutionary epic; E.O. Wilson; affect theory; religion and science; new atheism; religious naturalism
• Subjects: religion and science; theory of religion; religious studies; affect theory