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To: Texas Songwriter

Science and and the rules for scientific method are designed for answering the question “how”. They are not suited for answering “why”. Science is about process, and how to get from one configuration of matter and energy in space-time to another configuration of matter and energy in space-time, all of which is subject to measurement.

Philosophy is for answering the “why”. It is about purpose, which cannot be derived logically from process. Purpose is not something that can be measured or quantified.

A person needs both science and philosophy. We too often see scientists with doctorates in their fields making moral pronouncements, which is a subject that is totally outside their fields. This is the same pride that makes actors experts in Congressional hearings. It is an effect of pride as old as Socrates.


37 posted on 03/18/2013 7:10:31 PM PDT by Seraphicaviary (St. Michael is gearing up. The angels are on the ready line.)
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To: Seraphicaviary

The metaphorical palette is quite suitable as it sets forth the fundamental tension. Yes, the “how” and “why” dichotomy trips us up, with the scientific method being wholly suitable only for the former. Nor are “reason” and “faith” at odds, since everyone begins, at some point, with faith in axiomatic immutability as a prerequisite to scientific inquiry.


39 posted on 03/18/2013 7:26:11 PM PDT by Lexinom
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