The Restitution of Man: C. S. Lewis and the Case Against Scientism

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Summary: Powerful argument against scientism (not science)
Review: In this beautiful and powerful little book Michael D. Aeschliman calls on a host of witnesses from throughout history and from various disciplines, including philosophers, poets, and scientists in order to build his case against scientism. Not to be confused with science, scientism is a philosophical belief system which claims that the material world is the only objective reality there is and that human beings are essentially nothing more than "machines made of meat." It claims that all values are ultimately subjective and denies that human beings are essentially rational. As the title denotes, the most prevalent of the witnesses Aeschliman calls on to support his case is C.S. Lewis, whom he sees as the foremost defender of the common sense tradition that has informed our view of ourselves as human for most of the history of western civilization. The book is beautifully written and easy to read, much like the writings of Lewis himself, and is full of wonderful, powerful quotes that you'll find yourself wanting to memorize. If you are interested in the writings and thought of C.S. Lewis you owe it to yourself to check out this book. I know of no better book written about Lewis and his thought. This book affected my intellectual life profoundly. This is not only a resource to be utilized for the information it contains, but a treasure to be cherished and returned to again and again.

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Summary: Great intro to Lewis and the Philosophy of Science
Review: This is a really first rate book for a number of reasons. First, those who have an interest in the relationship between science, religion, and reason since the 17th century will be captivated by the intelligent assimilation of many of the leading philosophers of science and ethics, along with a slew of theologians, giving the whole tenor of the book a flavor of insight and wisdom. Secondly, readers with an interest in C. S. Lewis will find this slim book the perfect introduction to his approach to the question of knowledge, conscience, and science- dovetailing with his classic, The Abolition of Man. A third reason why this book is so useful is that it is written in a manner that is clear enough for the novice, but insightful enough to give the more advanced thinker something to chew on. In fact, it is chuck full of insight that I felt as if I read a much longer work when I was finished. A final reason; the importance of the subject matter is such that it merits to be studied and considered by anyone who tries to think and act upon their religious-philosophical beliefs. So many non-Christians reject not Christianity, but a weird version of it that they either concocted in their heads or saw on the television. Real Christianity is something much more different than the wishy-washy Zwinglian brand that is sold today to the masses- a faith that is robust, the actual foundation of scientific inquiry, and capable of meeting the challenges of a secular society head on with sanctity, intellectual rigor, and compassion. That is the heart of this fantastic book.

A real wreaking ball to scientific materialism.