How this site came to be:
In the late 1970s I had the opportunity to construct and offer a high school course for advanced seniors. As a teacher of physics and biology and a life-long student of philosophy I combined those interests in a course called – what else? – Science and Philosophy.
It was designed to encourage students to think about how discoveries in science shape the way we see the world and our place in it and to help them form their personal world-views.
Some of the material presented to those students in included in this site but much more has been added. Included are recent writings by scientists and philosophers that have enriched my own world-view, or weltanschauung.
This material is offered in the hope that it will enhance your understanding of the wonderful universe in which we live. As you incorporate the information into your mental life may you develop a world-view that meets the test of truth: Is it logically consistent? Does it correspond to reality?
Personal information:
Name.... Richard Golden
Born.... New York City, 1925
Education.... Bronx High School of Science, City College of New York
Teaching.... New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle, NY
Books that have influenced this site: Will Durant, "The Story of Philosophy;" John Herman Randall Jr, "The Making of the Modern Mind;" Irwin Edman, "Four Ways of Philosophy."
November 20, 2020 - A note from the author's grandson, Evan Wagstaff:
On November 4, 2020, the author / editor of this site and my grandfather, Richard Golden, passed away surrounded by his family. It was his wish that I, his grandson with some technical capability, keep the site running for the benefit of anyone seeking this knowledge. It would make him happy to know that his thoughts on science and philosophy are still informing curious site visitors.
I'll take care of the site and make improvements where I can. If you have any questions or corrections, let me know by email at evanjwagstaff (at) gmail (dot) com.
If you'd like to hear more directly from my grandfather, I filmed a short talk with him in 2011. Thank you for visiting.
Other sites from Richard Golden:
Presenting the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza
A teacher's guide to Self-Organizing Systems