Philosophy, the Religious Life, and the Making of Modern Science

这个项目将增强我们对西方社会独特特征的理解，特别是科学的成功和声望以及宗教和哲学影响力的减弱。反过来，这将为西方内部的科学-宗教争议提供新的见解，并将与宗教考虑在公共生活和国际事务中起主导作用的文化（如一些伊斯兰社会）相比，阐明西方世俗精神的独特性质。除了其本身的优点外，该项目还将进一步促进澳大利亚作为早期现代思想史领域卓越中心的声誉。

This project will enhance our understanding of unique features of Western society-in particular the success and prestige of the sciences and the waning influence of religion and philosophy. This will in turn provide fresh insights into science-religion controversies within the West and will shed light on the distinctive nature of the secular ethos of the West in comparison with cultures (such as some Islamic societies) in which religious considerations play a dominant role in public life and international affairs. Aside from its intrinsic merits, this project will also further promote Australia's growing reputation as a centre for excellence in the field of early modern intellectual history.