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The Magician’s Twin, with David Berlinski, Stephen Meyer, and James Orr

Peter Robinson
@PeterRobinson
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In his 1943 book The Abolition of Man, C. S. Lewis wrote: “The serious magical endeavor and the serious scientific endeavor are twins: One was sickly and died, the other strong and throve. But they were twins. They were born of the same impulse.” In this Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson, mathematician and philosopher David Berlinski, intelligent design advocate Stephen Meyer, and Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge University, James Orr explore the parallels between scientific and magical endeavors, referencing C. S. Lewis's notion that both were born from the same impulse, with one thriving and the other fading. They also explore the historical relationship between science and religion, noting how early scientists such as Newton and Galileo saw their work as uncovering divine order, in contrast with the more secular views of modern scientists such as Steven Weinberg and Stephen Hawking. The discussion also reveals deep philosophical and historical insights into the evolution of scientific thought and its complex relationship with materialism and religion.

Recorded on May 26th, 2024

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Discussion (5)

  • Old Bathos@OldBathos

    Peter Robinson's patented interview persona (the unpretentious, likeable, deferential layman who just happens to be thoroughly well-read and meticulously prepared) ought to have a name or designation of some kind so future generations know who and what to emulate when doing interviews.

    This particular panel was a treat. Brilliant men able to provide novel (to me anyway) perspectives on issues, great works and some of the perennial great questions in a few eloquent words is a gift. Their disagreements were even more informative and enlightening than their respective takes on the questions which is saying a lot.

    A century ago, inquisitive minds would have to be smart, hard-working and lucky to attend schools where this level of discussion could be heard. And now it's available at a click anytime, anywhere, an easy availability that likely disguises its enormous value.

    By the way, I highly recommend this podcast in case you couldn't tell.

  • colleenb@colleenb
    ReplyingtoOld Bathos

    Old Bathos (View Comment):

    Peter Robinson’s patented interview persona (the unpretentious, likeable, deferential layman who just happens to be thoroughly well-read and meticulously prepared) ought to have a name or designation of some kind so future generations know who and what to emulate when doing interviews.

    This particular panel was a treat. Brilliant men able to provide novel (to me anyway) perspectives on issues, great works and some of the perennial great questions in a few eloquent words is a gift. Their disagreements were even more informative and enlightening than their respective takes on the questions which is saying a lot.

    A century ago, inquisitive minds would have to be smart, hard-working and lucky to attend schools where this level of discussion could be heard. And now it’s available at a click anytime, anywhere, an easy availability that likely disguises its enormous value.

    By the way, I highly recommend this podcast in case you couldn’t tell.

    Agree completely. That final quote from Newton blew me away.