Science and the Unseen World Paperback – January 5, 2007

Outstanding exposition on embracing an open-minded, open hearted investigation of all things inward and outward in our experience, from a man who checked Einsteins math.

It was interesting to see how some of the scientific matters have changed since Eddington wrote this book, particularly as concerns the probability of planets around other stars. The consensus view then, was that planetary systems were very unlikely, but there would be some, due to the vastness of the Milky Way and the rest of the cosmos (via near collisions of stars). Now we know that planetary systems are very common (created along with stars as they condense from a collapsing nebula) , and even that planets in the habitable zones of stars are not that rare. Olaf Stapledon's classic SF book "Star Maker" is similar in this regard.However, in terms of the more philosophical aspects of the book (e.g. the relationship between science and religion) his writing is still relevant. So, the book is worth reading for those insights, as well as a look at how scientific theories ebb and flow over time, as new observational methods evolve.In some ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

For the publisher this was transposed properly. Some terms were from the past I had to look up

This book has an adoptable attitude you can carry into any scientific or religious conversation.Wrought with contemplations and perspectives seldom considered, Eddington brings to light the folly of certainty when we place it exclusively into the hands of either science or religion. His dry humor is a lot of fun too.

I have only just begun to read this book, but it appears to be REALLY interesting. I would highly suggest it.

This book firmly defends the endeavours and successes of modern physics and equally the endeavours and successes of religion. The two are reconciled as parts of the raw experience of being conscious neither stepping on the toes of the other. A profound and potentially life changing read.

I wish more people in science and philosophy of science would read and remember Eddington. This is a brief classic for the ages

I liked the author’s ‘scientific’ approach to this ‘difficult’ subject.The author, a scientist, is no reductionist ( a criticism of science nowadays widespread). His approach rescues us from that attitude and presents us with a genuine optimism that the Unseen(God) is real, is in fact, a Reality. To quite Pascal: the Heart has its reasons which Reason doesn’t know about( “Le coeur a ses raisons que la Raison ne connaît point”.