Reconstructing Wonder: Chemistry Informing a Natural Theology (Contributions to Philosophical Theology)

The book uses scientific discipline of chemistry to inform a Natural Theology. While Natural Theology typically employs scientific analysis from Cosmology, Physics, Mathematics and at times Biology the author extends the subject. He refers to the perception of beauty to provide a conceptual framework linking aspects of Epistemology, Theology and Chemistry. The volume presents a working definition of Natural Theology and a new definition of Beauty that bridges the conceptual gaps between the humanities and the hard sciences. Cover Acknowledgements Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Religious Epistemology 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Contemporary Epistemological Approaches 1.3 Conclusion Chapter 2: Natural Theology 2.1 Natural Theology within the Epistemological Framework: Introduction 2.2 The Place and Relevance of Theologies of Nature 2.3 Conclusion Chapter 3: Chemistry and Natural Theology 3.1 Appreciating Chemistry: the Historical Context and Contemporary Understandings 3.2 Chemistry and Metaphysics 3.3 Beauty as Bridge 3.4 An Expanded Vision of Beauty 3.5 Conclusion Chapter 4: A Selective Survey of Current Organic Chemistry Research 4.1 Purpose of the Survey 4.2 The Selection Criteria 4.3 The Papers 4.4 Discussion 4.5 Conclusion Chapter 5: On God and Beauty 5.1 Introduction 5.2 The Two Streams 5.3 The Aristotelian Stream 5.4 The Platonic Stream 5.5 Conclusion Chapter 6: Discussion 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Defining Beauty 6.3 Conclusion Bibliography Appendices Appendix A: Some Notes on Chemical Structures Appendix B: A Brief Introduction to Redox Reactions Index of Names Index of Subjects Table of Figures The Book Uses Scientific Discipline Of Chemistry To Inform A Natural Theology. The Author Refers To The Perception Of Beauty To Provide A Conceptual Framework Linking Aspects Of Epistemology, Theology And Chemistry. He Presents Definitions Of Natural Theology And Beauty That Bridge The Conceptual Gaps Between The Humanities And The Hard Sciences.