The evening will comprise a brief introduction by David Lorimer, a talk about the book by Dr Oliver Robinson, followed by a wine reception and book signing. This launch event is being held in association with the Scientific and Medical Network.

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:

Is there room for spirituality in an age defined by science and technology? Dr Oliver Robinson, in his new book Paths Between Head and Heart: Exploring the harmonies of science and spirituality, argues that there is. The book explores how science and spirituality are complementary forms of knowing and experiencing the world, and in many ways need each other. Their relationship can be characterised by seven pairs of opposites: outer/inner, impersonal/personal, thinking/feeling, empirical/transcendental, mechanistic/purposive, verbal/ineffable, explanation/contemplation. Science emphasises the first term in each pair, characteristically associated with “head” knowing. Spirituality emphasises the second term, characteristically associated with “heart” knowing or intuition.

As well as contrasting with each other in these seven ways, science and spirituality share a number of values in common, which stem from their parallel emergence during the modern era and the modern values that both embody, such as innovation, pluralism, experience-based knowledge, and the empowerment of the individual.

The book discusses how balanced development can be facilitated by simultaneous personal exploration of both science and spirituality, due to the way that one acts to counter-balance the other in the psyche with complementary values and priorities, and prevent the drift of either towards extremes or hubris.

The book is published by O Books, and is officially released on 31st August. Advanced copies will be available for purchase at discounted price at the event.

“This book plays a vital role in building a bridge between science and spirituality, demonstrating that they are natural partners in the evolution of our understanding of the universe and providing a comprehensive account of attempts to synthesise them. I particularly commend its dialectical structure, which puts the topic in a broader context than usual.” Bernard Carr, Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at Queen Mary University of London