Monopolizing Knowledge: A Scientist Refutes Religion-Denying, Reason-Destroying Scientism

by Ian Hutchinson

Can real knowledge be found other than by science? In this unique approach to understanding today's culture wars, an MIT physicist answers emphatically yes. He shows how scientism --- the view that science is all the knowledge there is --- suffocates reason as well as religion. Tracing the history of scientism and its frequent confusion with science, Hutchinson explains what makes modern science so persuasive and powerful, but restricts its scope. Recognizing science's limitations, and properly identifying what we call nature, liberates both science and non-scientific knowledge.

Genres: Science, Philosophy

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Ian Hutchinson is a plasma physicist and professor of nuclear science and engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was born in England, educated at Cambridge University, and received his doctorate from Australian National University. His research group explores the confinement of plasmas hotter than the sun's center, aimed at producing practical energy from nuclear fusion reactions, the energy source of the stars. A frequent Veritas Forum presenter, Ian has written and spoken widely on the relationship between science and Christianity. He is the author of over two hundred research articles, and his books include Principles of Plasma Diagnostics and Monopolizing Knowledge.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I’m a physical scientist struggling with the apparent contradiction between science and religion. Twenty years ago I permanently severed these two strands of my identity and felt like it was an either or choice. Since then, the idea of being both a scientist and a believer has been a complete mystery to me. I consider myself agnostic, but dabbled in atheism (after reading Dawkins, of course. Whatever you think of him, he is a great writer and very persuasive.) Now, all this time later I am trying to make space for faith.

In this book, Hutchinson sheds light on the science/religion culture wars. He makes a clear and thoroughly researched case that the issue is not actually about science v. religion. Instead, the issue is our insistence that science is the only path to true knowledge that we have. The author refers to this as an “improper extrapolation of science,” and a viewpoint that I am 100% guilty of (but hopefully will be more cognizant of after reading this book). Our culture values scientific knowledge above all else, but science is not equipped to answer all questions. And he refers not only to religious questions, but also to questions of history and jurisprudence. The book addresses evolution, militant atheism, the pull of reductionism, etc. from a scientist’s viewpoint. The book is thoroughly researched, and he cites many relevant historians, philosophers, and scientists to provide context and evidence for his thesis. Often he includes full quotes, which I appreciate for clarity and openness.

His point is that both scientists and Christians are led into this erroneous viewpoint of science being more than it is, or should be. As a result, we often find science and religion at odds with each other, when really we can make space for both and integrate the different types of knowledge they each provide. Overall, I found this book to be enlightening, rational, and exactly what I needed to move past this fairly large roadblock in my journey.

[Eric C 1965 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book even more than Morelands work because, although less rigorous, it came through as more lived since it was written by a scientist. Although it will not likely be left unattacked, just like Jastrows work on astronomy was attacked, and found wanting. A solid contribution to the debate on scientism

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Hutchinson provides clear and historically savvy insight into the failures of communication so popular in science/religion discussions. He identifies a (if not the) central issue: a belief that science is the only valid way to know.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhat difficult to read but worth the attempt.

[Pondering Pastor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book with an insider's perspective.