"This collection of essays ... centers around four sustained dialogues among an international group of leading historians of science. Two of the conversations focus on how historians interpret the relationship between science and religion. Another section examines whether there was such a phenomenon as the scientific revolution and, if so, whether it was of pivotal importance. The final section debates the notion that there has been discernable progress in history. Collectively the experts contributing to this volume seek to broach the big questions at stake in ongoing efforts to fathom the historical interface of science and religion - two of the most important ways of knowing our world - to better our understanding of how both have shaped the course of history and the direction of modern thinking."--Jacket.