Epistemology Professor Christopher Ullman Christian Life College Everyone

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Epistemology Professor Christopher Ullman Christian Life College

Epistemology Professor Christopher Ullman Christian Life College

Everyone has a concept of what is true/false. Each person decides how important truth

Everyone has a concept of what is true/false. Each person decides how important truth is to him. Each of you know of ways to test a statement to see if it is true. These underlying presuppositions govern our thoughts, words, choices, and actions. 2

 Consider these questions asked by thinking people What is truth? Can we even

Consider these questions asked by thinking people What is truth? Can we even define truth? Can we know truth with certainty? Is truth merely opinion controlled by the dominant forces of our society? n How is it that so many people have so many different views of truth? n Is truth relative? n How can we say something is false if we have no way of determining what is true? n n n 3

Some truth tests ¨ Pragmatism: truth is that which works. If something works, then

Some truth tests ¨ Pragmatism: truth is that which works. If something works, then it must be true. ¨ Coherence: there is an essential internal harmony of ideas. If something does not harmonize with the ideas that already cohere, it may not be true. ¨ Correspondence: truth corresponds to reality, identifies things as they actually are. 4

Poststructuralism is an intellectual movement that 1. completely rejects “binary oppositions” such as ¨

Poststructuralism is an intellectual movement that 1. completely rejects “binary oppositions” such as ¨ true/false ¨ right/wrong ¨ good/evil, and 2. formulates views consistent with that rejection. These dualistic concepts are believed to be rooted not in reality, but in modernistic philosophy that has “scripted” Western thought and culture. 5

 Postmodernism rejects the belief in universal absolute truth that transcends culture, time, and

Postmodernism rejects the belief in universal absolute truth that transcends culture, time, and space by redefining it to say that truth is that which is ¨Created ¨Defined ¨Articulated by local (sub) communities. Young people today are choosing a postmodern worldview over and against all other worldviews. 6

5 Ways to Know Something Empirical: through sensed perceptions n Rational: through reason apart

5 Ways to Know Something Empirical: through sensed perceptions n Rational: through reason apart from the senses n Mystical: immediately, apart from the senses and reason n Pragmatical: by finding out what works n Authority: through a trusted source n 7

n n n Consider these questions asked by thinking people Can we trust our

n n n Consider these questions asked by thinking people Can we trust our senses? What are the proper roles of reason and sense experience in knowledge? Are our intuitions more dependable than our perceptions? What is the relationship between faith and reason? Is knowledge about God possible? If so, how? Should we appeal to “mystical downloads” for spiritual knowledge? 8

Sources of Knowledge 1. Reason alone (excluding faith) 2. Faith alone (excluding reason) 3.

Sources of Knowledge 1. Reason alone (excluding faith) 2. Faith alone (excluding reason) 3. Faith + Reason (God created people to think rationally) 4. Intuition 5. Sensed perceptions 6. Authority 9

 A Tale of Two Systems Continental philosophers taught that human knowledge comes not

A Tale of Two Systems Continental philosophers taught that human knowledge comes not originally or even primarily from sense experience, but from reason. This is rationalism. • Rene Descartes: I think, therefore I am • Baruch Spinoza: the essence of each and every thing is a way that God causes himself to exist • Gottfried Leibniz: we have innate ideas, but all ideas that come from the senses are confused 10

 A Tale of Two Systems Some problems arose for the rationalists • Theory

A Tale of Two Systems Some problems arose for the rationalists • Theory of Ideas • “What you know when you perceive a brown table is the idea of a brown table. ” • The key word here is know. • The Problem of the External World • How do we know there’s a world out there? • The Problem of Other Minds • How do I know that you have a mind? 11

 A Tale of Two Systems The Rise and Fall of Empiricism Rejecting rationalism

A Tale of Two Systems The Rise and Fall of Empiricism Rejecting rationalism and innate ideas, three British philosophers come rushing into the room: 1. John Locke: “The mind is a blank slate” Sensed experience begins to fill it Reflection arranges it 2. George Berkeley: “The objects of human knowledge are ideas, not things” You cannot know the carrot, but you can know the idea “carrot” 12

 A Tale of Two Systems 3. David Hume: all that is real consists

A Tale of Two Systems 3. David Hume: all that is real consists of sensations, and these are unconnected to one another What about things we do not personally experience? We cannot prove they are causally connected to anything else So we accept out of custom or habit that one idea is caused by another Knowledge boils down to non-rational operations of the soul “We can stop our philosophical researches” 13

Ontological The study of the nature of existence, or what it means “to be”:

Ontological The study of the nature of existence, or what it means “to be”: Is basic reality found in matter or physical energy (the world we can sense), or spirit/spiritual energy? n Is reality lawful and orderly or chaotic? n Is reality fixed and stable or everchangeable? n Is reality friendly, unfriendly, or neutral in regard to humanity? n 14

Basic Question In Epistemology… Is there truth independent of human experience? n A Priori

Basic Question In Epistemology… Is there truth independent of human experience? n A Priori knowledge n A Posteriori knowledge 15

A Priori Knowledge: Is independent of human awareness n Is true whether humans know/accept

A Priori Knowledge: Is independent of human awareness n Is true whether humans know/accept it or not n Exists prior to human experience n Traditional science has upheld the superiority of a priori knowledge as it represents the fixed and permanent world that is ‘uncontaminated’ by human knowers n 16

A Posteriori Knowledge: Requires human experience for verification of truth/knowledge n Modern philosophers claim

A Posteriori Knowledge: Requires human experience for verification of truth/knowledge n Modern philosophers claim a posteriori knowledge is superior, and that a priori knowledge does not even exist! n 17

3 Basic Positions on the Objectivity of Knowledge: Humans are recipients in the knowledge

3 Basic Positions on the Objectivity of Knowledge: Humans are recipients in the knowledge process. n Humans are participants in the knowledge process. n Humans exist as ‘pure objects’ who become manufacturers of truth rather than recipients or participants n 18

Sources of Knowledge: Empirical Knowledge: composed of ideas formed from observable data n Sensory

Sources of Knowledge: Empirical Knowledge: composed of ideas formed from observable data n Sensory Knowledge: knowledge obtained through the Senses n Revelatory Knowledge: knowledge that is revealed through a transcendent or supernatural reality that breaks into the natural order/reality n 19

Sources of Knowledge: Authoritative Knowledge: accepted as truth because it comes from experts or

Sources of Knowledge: Authoritative Knowledge: accepted as truth because it comes from experts or is sanctioned over time by tradition n Rationalism/Reason: emphasizes the power of thought & what the mind contributes to knowledge, the senses are not enough n Intuition: knowledge that is not the result of conscious reasoning n 20

Validity of Knowledge n n n Corresponding Theory Coherence Theory Pragmatic Theory 21

Validity of Knowledge n n n Corresponding Theory Coherence Theory Pragmatic Theory 21

Validity of Knowledge - Tests of Truths n Correspondence Theory: ¨theory fits the data

Validity of Knowledge - Tests of Truths n Correspondence Theory: ¨theory fits the data collected & analyzed through research ¨if the judgement corresponds with the facts it is true ¨method most often used by those working in the sciences 22

Validity of Knowledge - Tests of Truths n Coherence Theory: ¨places its trust in

Validity of Knowledge - Tests of Truths n Coherence Theory: ¨places its trust in the consistency of harmony of all ones’ judgments ¨a judgment is true if it is consistent with other judgments that have previously been accepted as true ¨there is an agreement on the boundaries, logic & phenomenon of theory 23

Validity of Knowledge - Tests of Truths n Pragmatic Theory: ¨there is NO such

Validity of Knowledge - Tests of Truths n Pragmatic Theory: ¨there is NO such thing as static or absolute truth ¨people know only their own experiences ¨the test of truth is in its utility, workability, or satisfactory consequences 24

Epistemology What is Epistemology? “The theory or science of the method or grounds of

Epistemology What is Epistemology? “The theory or science of the method or grounds of “The branch of philosophy that is knowledge. ” —Webster’s Dictionary concerned with theory of knowledge. It is an inquiry into the nature and source of knowledge, the bounds of knowledge, and the justification of claims to knowledge. ” —Feinberg 25

“Today evangelical Christians stand at a greater distance from those with whom we communicate

“Today evangelical Christians stand at a greater distance from those with whom we communicate than we did just 20 years ago. At that time, even those who rejected Christianity were prepared to discuss whether the evidence for Christianity’s truth was adequate. Today, this is much less frequently the case. Before we can broach the question of whether the Christian gospel is true, we have to establish that such a thing as truth exists. ” 26

A Conversation Between Protagoras and Socrates (4 th Century B. C. ) Protagoras: Truth

A Conversation Between Protagoras and Socrates (4 th Century B. C. ) Protagoras: Truth is relative. It is only a matter of opinion. Socrates: You mean that truth is mere subjective opinion? Protagoras: Exactly. What is true for you, and what is true for me. Truth is subjective. Socrates: Do you really mean that? That my opinion is true by virtue of its being my opinion? 27

A Conversation Between Protagoras and Socrates (4 th Century B. C. ) Protagoras: Indeed

A Conversation Between Protagoras and Socrates (4 th Century B. C. ) Protagoras: Indeed I do. Socrates: My opinion is: Truth is absolute, not opinion, and that you, Mr. Protagoras, are absolutely in error. Since this is my opinion, then you must grant that it is true according to your philosophy. Protagoras: You are quite correct, Socrates. 28

Epistemology Self-defeating statements: “I cannot speak a word in English. ” “My wife has

Epistemology Self-defeating statements: “I cannot speak a word in English. ” “My wife has never been married. ” “We cannot know anything about God. ” “There is no such thing as truth. ” “Truth cannot be known. ” 29

Epistemology A short history of western civilization: Three periods: 1. 2. 3. Premodern (400

Epistemology A short history of western civilization: Three periods: 1. 2. 3. Premodern (400 -1600 A. D. ) Modern (1600 -1900 A. D. ) Postmodern (1960 -present) 30

Epistemology Modern Premodern 400 1600 Postmodern 1960 31

Epistemology Modern Premodern 400 1600 Postmodern 1960 31

PRE-MODERNISM: THE TIME AND WORLDVIEW WHEN n TRUTH INCLUDES n THE TRUTH IS ¨

PRE-MODERNISM: THE TIME AND WORLDVIEW WHEN n TRUTH INCLUDES n THE TRUTH IS ¨ HEAVEN ¨ GOD ¨ EARTH ¨ NATURE ¨ OTHERS ¨ SELF 32 ¨ UP THERE n AND ¨ OUT THERE

PRE-MODERN WORLD n n Embraced the objectivity of truth ¨The preference was for a

PRE-MODERN WORLD n n Embraced the objectivity of truth ¨The preference was for a Platonist, or neo. Platonist notion of reality ¨There is an objective, or external realm that is transcendent ¨“Reality existed independently of any individual apprehension of it” ¨For the Christian pre-moderns, this independently existing realm of transcendence was the mind of God. Erickson, Evangelical Interpretation, 100. There was a belief in the referential understanding 33 of language; that is, “language referred to

PRE-MODERN WORLD There was belief in the “Correspondence Theory of Truth” which asserted that

PRE-MODERN WORLD There was belief in the “Correspondence Theory of Truth” which asserted that “true ideas are those that accurately correspond to the state of affairs as it is. ” n In terms of hermeneutics, the pre-modern period accepted that “the meaning of a text was. . . within that text in a rather literal or straightforward fashion. . Hermeneutics was in this approach virtually equivalent to exegesis. ” n The premodern understanding of reality was teleological. There was believed to be a purpose or purposes in the universe. ” 34 n

MODERNISM: THE TIME AND WORLDVIEW WHEN n TRUTH INCLUDES n THE TRUTH IS ¨

MODERNISM: THE TIME AND WORLDVIEW WHEN n TRUTH INCLUDES n THE TRUTH IS ¨ EARTH ¨ INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE ¨ REASON ONLY 35 ¨ OUT THERE

Epistemology Postmodern Modern Transition 1900 -1960 36

Epistemology Postmodern Modern Transition 1900 -1960 36

POST-MODERNISM: THE TIME AND WORLDVIEW WHEN n TRUTH INCLUDES n THE TRUTH IS ¨

POST-MODERNISM: THE TIME AND WORLDVIEW WHEN n TRUTH INCLUDES n THE TRUTH IS ¨ INDIVIDUALS GROUPED IN COMMUNITIES 37 ¨ ONLY IN HERE

POST-MODERNISM: Impact Ideas have legs! It is impossible to understand postmodernism without noting its

POST-MODERNISM: Impact Ideas have legs! It is impossible to understand postmodernism without noting its impact on our culture n What begins in the etherealm of the academy eventually will show up in popular culture n ¨ The Arts ¨ Architecture ¨ Literature 38

Truth and Tolerance “In Postmodernism, there is no objective, universal truth; there is only

Truth and Tolerance “In Postmodernism, there is no objective, universal truth; there is only the perspective of the group. . In postmodernism, all viewpoints, all lifestyles, all beliefs and behaviors are regarded as equally valid. . Tolerance has become so important that no exception is tolerated. ” –Charles Colson, 39

Modernist Objections to Christianity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What about all the

Modernist Objections to Christianity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What about all the contradictions? God is just a crutch. Religion was invented by man. Jesus was just a man. The Bible we have today is not the same as when it was written two thousand years ago. I don’t believe in what I can’t see. Evolution has proven Christianity to be wrong. 40

Modernist Objections to Christianity 7. 8. 9. 10. The Bible is a myth full

Modernist Objections to Christianity 7. 8. 9. 10. The Bible is a myth full of fairy tales. How did Noah get all of the animals on the Ark? There are no such thing as miracles. Do you really believe in the story of Adam and Eve? 41

Postmodernist Objections to Christianity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. If God exists why

Postmodernist Objections to Christianity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. If God exists why is there evil? The inquisition and the Crusades show that Christianity is oppressive. Christianity is a way to God but not the only way. Christianity is arrogant and exclusive. How do you know that your Bible is better than other religious writings? Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? 42

Postmodernist Objections to Christianity 7. 8. 9. 10. What about those who have never

Postmodernist Objections to Christianity 7. 8. 9. 10. What about those who have never heard? The church is full of hypocrites. Why would God send anyone to Hell? The God of the OT is cruel, partial, and unjust. 43

Modernism vs. Postmodernism: Objections to Christianity Modernist Postmodernist Facts Rationality Evidence Fairness Relationships Emotion`

Modernism vs. Postmodernism: Objections to Christianity Modernist Postmodernist Facts Rationality Evidence Fairness Relationships Emotion` 44

Modern View of Truth Correspondence view of truth: (1) Truth is an objective reality

Modern View of Truth Correspondence view of truth: (1) Truth is an objective reality that exists whether someone believes it or not, (2) and (to the modernist) that objective reality has no definite basis. 45

Modern View of Truth True statements are that which correspond to that objective reality.

Modern View of Truth True statements are that which correspond to that objective reality. n False statements are those that do not correspond to that objective reality. n 46

Modern View of Truth Law of non-contradiction does apply A ≠ -A at the

Modern View of Truth Law of non-contradiction does apply A ≠ -A at the same time and in the same relationship. 47

Modern View of Truth What is an example? Key Motto: Man can and will

Modern View of Truth What is an example? Key Motto: Man can and will know all truth. 48

Postmodern View of Truth Relativism: what is right/wrong, true/false is determined by some group.

Postmodern View of Truth Relativism: what is right/wrong, true/false is determined by some group. n Subjectivism: what is right/wrong, true/false is determined by each individual. n Pragmatism: what is right/wrong, true/false is determined by what works. n 49

Postmodern View of Truth n What is an example? Law of non-contradiction does not

Postmodern View of Truth n What is an example? Law of non-contradiction does not apply A = -A at the same time and in the same relationship. No objective truth n Key Motto: The truth cannot be known. 50

Postmodern View of Truth Religious Spin on Postmodern Epistemology n Universalism: All will make

Postmodern View of Truth Religious Spin on Postmodern Epistemology n Universalism: All will make it to Heaven. n Pluralism: Many ways to God that are equally valid. n Syncretism: Assimilation of differing beliefs and practices. n Inclusivism: Salvation is only through Christ, but Christ may be revealed in other religions. 51

ENGAGING THOSE WITH POSTMODERN WORLDVIEWS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 52 Acknowledge your culture-encoded

ENGAGING THOSE WITH POSTMODERN WORLDVIEWS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 52 Acknowledge your culture-encoded version of Christianity Affirm truth, love and compassion Magnify the importance of faith perspectives Show respect Learn to listen to and tell postmodern stories

The Second Vatican Council: Roman Catholicism slides into universalism 1962 -1965 “But the plan

The Second Vatican Council: Roman Catholicism slides into universalism 1962 -1965 “But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the creator. In the first place among these there are the Moslems, whom professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful god, who on the last day will judge mankind. Those also can attain salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the gospel of Christ or his church, yet sincerely seek god and, moved by grace, strive by their deeds to do his will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience. ” Q. Why support mission evangelism any longer? 53

Christian View of Truth What is the Christian view of truth? Correspondence view of

Christian View of Truth What is the Christian view of truth? Correspondence view of truth: (1) Truth is an objective reality that exists whether someone believes it or not, (2) and that objective reality has God alone as its objective basis. 54

Christian View of Truth The law of non-contradiction is a foundational necessity to all

Christian View of Truth The law of non-contradiction is a foundational necessity to all truth. God cannot even violate this principle since it is a logical impossibility. 55