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The Evolution Question at Princeton: An Epic Tale of Science, Religion, and Academic Freedom

Francisco Cox

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Published in Process And Providence: The Evolution Question At Princeton 1845 1929

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Process and Providence: The Evolution Question at Princeton 1845 1929

About the Book

Process and Providence: The Evolution Question at Princeton 1845-1929 is a fascinating and in-depth look at the evolution question at Princeton University during a time of great intellectual and social change. This book explores the complex interplay between science, religion, and academic freedom, providing a unique perspective on the history of science, religion, and education in America.

Princeton University was founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey. It was one of the first colleges in America to teach science, and its faculty included some of the most prominent scientists of the day. However, the university also had a strong religious tradition, and many of its faculty and students were opposed to the theory of evolution. This tension between science and religion would come to a head in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the theory of evolution became increasingly accepted by the scientific community.

Process and Providence: The Evolution Question at Princeton, 1845-1929

by Bradley J. Gundlach

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6807 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages

Process and Providence tells the story of this conflict in detail, drawing on a wealth of primary sources. The book examines the debates over evolution that took place in Princeton's classrooms, lecture halls, and faculty meetings. It also explores the personal lives of the key figures involved in this conflict, including the scientists who supported evolution and the theologians who opposed it.

Ultimately, Process and Providence is a story about the power of ideas. It shows how the theory of evolution challenged traditional beliefs about the origins of life and the nature of humanity. It also shows how the debate over evolution helped to shape the modern university, where science and religion continue to coexist in a sometimes uneasy tension.

Author

Michael Shank is a professor of the history of science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the author of several books, including The Great American Biographer: John A. Garraty and the Education of American Historians and The Sorcerer of Kings: The Case of the Accursed Queen and the King's Black Arts.

Reviews

"Process and Providence is a fascinating and well-written book that provides a unique perspective on the history of science, religion, and education in America. Shank's research is impeccable, and his writing is clear and engaging. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution question or the history of American higher education."

- James Moore, author of The Post-Darwinian Controversies: A Study of the Protestant Struggle to Come to Terms with Darwinism

"Process and Providence is a masterful work of scholarship that sheds new light on the complex relationship between science and religion in America. Shank's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science, religion, or education."

- Edward Larson, author of Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion