The Old Riddle and the Newest Answer

Name: The Old Riddle and the Newest Answer
Author: John Gerard

By John Gerard

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Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

The author examines claims that modern science can solve the ultimate riddle of nature, arguing that scientific achievements are often overstated and that philosophical conclusions drawn from them exceed their proper reach. Drawing on debates in evolutionary theory and thermodynamics, the text questions the idea of an eternal, self-originating universe and challenges attempts to deny limits to scientific explanation. It defends the intelligible purposiveness visible in organisms, considers proposed remedies to universal dissipation of energy, and surveys objections and alternatives before concluding that empirical facts alone do not resolve metaphysical questions about origin, design, or finality.

About the Author

John Gerard

John Gerard was an English Jesuit priest and writer, known for his detailed accounts of the Gunpowder Plot and the conditions faced by Catholics during the reign of James I. His notable works include "The Condition of Catholics Under James I. / Father Gerard's Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot," which provides a firsthand perspective on the events surrounding the infamous conspiracy. Gerard's writings contribute to the understanding of religious tensions in early 17th-century England, reflecting both his personal experiences and the broader historical context of Catholic persecution. He also explored themes of faith and resilience in his other works, such as "The Old Riddle and the Newest Answer."