The Evidence of Things Not Seen: Reflections on Faith, Science, and Economics

by Vernon L. Smith

Religious and non-religious people alike commonly assert that religion and science occupy two entirely separate and distinct realms. There can be, it is said, neither conflict nor concourse between them. But what if science and religion share something deeply mysterious in common? What if that mysterious commonality is faith?


In this short but provocative collection, the eminent economist Vernon L. Smith explores the spooky aspects of contemporary science and uncovers the faith and mystery at the root of scientific inquiry. Through his lecture delivered at the Acton Institute’s annual conference in 2016, and in conversations with other scholars on the lecture’s themes, Smith reflects on the history of physics and economics, and the discoveries of quantum theory and experimental economics—all with a view toward the convergence of religion and science in their dependence on the evidence of things not seen.


Includes contributions by Lenore T. Ealy, Samuel Gregg, and Victor V. Claar

Genres: Science

68 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Eduardo Garcia-Gaspar · Rating 3 out of 5]

El muy pequeño libro contiene una conferencia de Vernon L. Smith en Acton University, un comentario sobre ella y dos sesiones de preguntas y respuestas entre personal del Acton Institute y el propio Smith. El fue Premio Nobel de Economía 2002. En esta conferencia, examina un tema que comúnmente es presa de clisés y prejuicios veloces, la rivalidad entre ciencia y religión, lo que hace que las afirmaciones de Smith sean de especial utilidad para quienes sostienen tal conflicto.
Una lectura agradable y llena de ideas que permiten entender mejor que lo que se busca es la verdad y que ese camino, aunque tiene conflictos, es mucho más productivo que el empedrado con clisés.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure where I read about Veron L. Smith, but I know I checked what he had written and this small book caught my eye. It's really based on a lecture he held, bound together with an introduction, a comment and two interviews. The topics are faith, science and of course economics as Smith himself is a experimental economic. The lecture does not touch much on economics at all, but it is talked more about in the interview and introduction where Adam Smith is discussed. By the shortness of it, it gives a good glimpse into Vernon L. Smith, but it not enough to really introduce us to any of his work although some of it is touched briefly upon. Nevertheless, it takes on a very interesting set of topics and manage to trigger some profound thought in the reader.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting reflections on the differences and similarities between science and faith. Smith presents a nice, very brief overview on 20th century physics and how it changes our materialistic mindset and proves a good understanding for the underlying epistemological questions - especially as he doesn't positions himself as an expert on these issues. I would have been interested to understand even better both his view on the similarities and differences between science and faith as well as his critique of the standand position he criticises. His point that science doesn't concern itself with "purpose" and thus religion is important is intriguing. Yet, I don't see how this makes "God" (as a creative entity) neccessary - as he makes an explicit case for the Christian faith.

[Peter Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

The initial and original work is five stars. The following comment of Lenore T. Ealy adds nothing. It is poorly written and unsatisfyingly argumented.
Read the book for the 18 pages that are more than worth it.

[Taylor Barkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s short, to the point. Multiple pieces including a helpful response to Vernon Smith’s main speech. I was mainly interested to read how a renowned Nobel Prize winning economist talks about his faith. It delivers!

[Brady Ream · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I think the first entry of this work should be titled "Christianity and the Compatibility of Science and Religion," Dr. Smith's insights on the conversation between faith and fact are an accurate exhibition of human existence.