Chapter 8 Science faith and reason Defining terms

Chapter 8: Science, faith, and reason

Defining terms Ø Religion: a system of beliefs and practices primarily centered around a transcendent Reality, either personal or impersonal, which provides ultimate meaning and purpose to life Ø Science: the exploration, description, explanation, and prediction of occurrences in the natural world which can be checked and supported by empirical evidence

Understanding relationships Conflict, independence, or integration?

Conflict Ø Science and religion are in conflict with each other Ø View points ØScriptural literalists ØScientific materialists Ø Challenges ØScripture is not a scientific textbook. ØScientific method cannot verify itself

Independence Ø Science and religion are completely independent forms of thought and practice which never come into contact Ø View points ØProtestant neo-orthodoxy ØLinguistic analysis Ø Problems ØReligious engagement ØDisparate domains

Integration Ø Science and religion are integrated in some way. Ø Versions ØNatural theology ØSystematic synthesis Ø Positives ØSingle unified worldview, without discrediting science or religion ØExciting new prospects

Religious belief and justification Ø Rational validation views of faith and reason Ø Non-evidential views of faith and reason ØFideism ØKierkegaard ØEvidence not needed ØThe “leap of faith” Ø“The will to believe” ØJames ØDeciding between hypotheses ØBelieving even if evidence is lacking

Non-evidential views (continued) God exists God does not exist Believe in God Great gain No great gain Do not believe in God No great gain Outcomes wager: believing in God is a better bet than not believing Options Ø Pascal’s

Non-evidential views (continued) ØReformed epistemology ØPlantinga ØBelief in God can still be rational, even without evidence ØContradicts foundationalism ØBelief in god is properly basic ØBasic, but not groundless

Questions for discussion Ø Which of the three views of the relationship between religion and science do you find to be most accurate given the ways religion and science are generally understood and practiced today? First characterize the view and then explain why you believe it to be so Ø Evolution and creationism are often considered to be diametrically opposed beliefs about the existence and development of flora and fauna. Can they be reconciled? Are faith and reason mutually exclusive concepts? Can you have faith in something or someone while also having reasons for what you have faith in? Explain. Ø