The Stars and the Mind Book

THE STARS AND THE MIND A Study of the Impact of Astronomical Development on Human Thought BY MARTIN DAVIDSON, D. Sc., F. R. A. S. LONDON WATTS CO., 5 6 JOHNSONS COURT, FLEET STREET, E. C. 4 PREFACE IN this book I have given a rtsumd of the development of astro nomical science from the earliest periods of mans history up to recent times, and also of its impact on human thought and action. It has been impossible to separate such a rsum6 from the influence of astrology a superstition which has been very closely associated with astronomy and which has so often exercised a pernicious effect on the lives of people. Among some of the early races astrology had a profound influence, and official astrologers at the Royal Courts frequently advised the rulers on policies connected with both the internal and external affairs of the State. In some respects this astral fatalism, which naturally resulted from the belief that a mans character and also his future were decided by the ruling constellation at the time of his birth, was detrimental to social progress, but on the whole it does not always appear to have been so baneful as we might expect. We cannot help admiring the wonderful strides that were made in the social life of the Babylonians, among whom astrology had an important influence, but to what extent the lives of the ordinary people were affected by astrology is a matter of doubt and conjecture. An archaeologist thousands of years hence, who chanced to unearth some of our twentieth-century books and Press publications of a certain type, might imagine that most people had regulated their lives in accordance with the predictions of astrologers, but his conclusions would be far from the truth. It is possible that a large portion of the people in early civilizations was unaffected by astrology, which was reserved for those who could afford to pay liberally for indulging in this cult. The present survey shows how the conception of a continuous interference and control of the universe by some external power gave way to a nobler and higher conception of an inherent natural order. A mechanical view of the universe replaced the old and cruder view, which was quite consistent with arbitrary and vindictive acts on the part of a petty-minded ruler. The modern astronomer pursues his research on the assumption that such acts VI PREFACE do not occur, and without this assumption he could not with any degree of confidence continue his investigations. Within recent times a remarkable development has occurred, which seems to leave a loop-hole for a belief in a non-mechanical universe. Progress in atomic physics has, in the opinion of some physicists, dealt a severe blow to the view that the universe is a closed system. In the opinion of the writer this view is not very easy to defend, but the controversy still continues, and probably will continue for a long time. Towards the end of the work the influence of astronomical development on the Christian faith is considered, and its far reaching effects are dealt with. While restatement of a number of doctrines has been made from time to time, it is questionable whether any of them have gone far enough, and it is certain that in many cases there has not been sufficient candour in the new presentation. More honest admissions are essential at present, when problems arising out of the complexities of modern civiliza tion are baffling the best minds. Our conception of the universe is so utterly different from that of our forefathers that readjust ment of our views on moral, social, and international problems is necessary. It must be admitted, however, that it is not easy to prescribe the exact lines along which such readjustments should be conducted, and for a long time many of the problems which vex the souls of men rtiust inevitably prove intractable...Read More