Free Republic
Browse · Search
Smoky Backroom
Topics · Post Article

To: Fester Chugabrew

I just don't think the distinction between natural and supernatural is scientifically useful because it cannot be scientifically determined.

So how is it determined?

1,051 posted on 04/06/2006 7:26:49 PM PDT by ml1954
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1047 | View Replies ]


To: ml1954
So how is [the distinction between natural and supernatural] determined?

Independently, by each observer. Note we are dealing with a strict dichotomy. We are also dealing with a huge lack of direct, experiential knowledge as to what ultimately drives the universe.

If God is natural, then what is supernatural? There is a problem with defining natural as only that which can be understood by human reason, at least from an empirical standpoint. The problem is that we have no way of determining whether our definition of natural coincides with objective reality.

In addition to that, the dichotomy invites a tautology: We end up saying science can only deal with only natural phenomena while at the same time defining "natural" as only that which science can apprehend. How can science know for sure it is not the "nature" of things to fly apart without reason and disintegrate into nothing intelligible?

1,062 posted on 04/06/2006 7:45:17 PM PDT by Fester Chugabrew
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1051 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Smoky Backroom
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson