Wolfgang Smith

Wolfgang Smith (b. 1930) is a scholar and researcher in the fields of mathematics and physics, but is also a writer on theology, metaphysics, and religion. Because of his unusual qualifications in both scientific and theological disciplines, he is able to write with great authority on many topics of concern to religious and scientific scholars today. Smith graduated at age 18 from Cornell University with a B.A. in mathematics, physics, and philosophy. Two years later he took an M.S. in theoretical physics at Purdue University. Smith worked at Bell Aircraft Corporation on formulating the theoretical foundation for the solution of the re-entry problem. After receiving a Ph.D. in mathematics from Columbia University, Dr. Smith held professorial positions at M.I.T., U.C.L.A., and Oregon State University until his retirement in 1992. He has published extensively on mathematical topics relating to algebraic and differential topology. However, ever since his youth, Smith has had a deep interest in metaphysics and theology. Early on, he acquired a taste for Plato and the neoplatonists, and traveled in India to gain acquaintance with the Vedantic tradition. Later he devoted himself to the study of theology, and began his career as a Catholic metaphysical author. Besides contributing numerous articles to scholarly journals, Dr. Smith has authored four books: Cosmos and Transcendence (1984), Teilhardism and the New Religion (1988), The Quantum Enigma (1995), and The Wisdom of Ancient Cosmology (2003).

Dr. Wolfgang Smith’s essays appear in the following World Wisdom books:

• “The Plague of Scientistic Belief” in Science and the Myth of Progress
• “‘Progress’ in Retrospect” in The Betrayal of Tradition
• “Science and Myth: The Hidden Connection” in The Essential Sophia