Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: aspasia
Aspasia: "Very well, but you can't begin with the supposition of naturalism without making that choice."

Right, and that is just what natural-science does.
It begins with the base-assumption that science will only deal with natural explanations for natural processes.
Science leaves supernatural phenomenon & explanations to other categories of philosophy, i.e., theology.

But I must also mention, this was originally intended to be a methodological, not ontological or metaphysical assumption.
Our forefathers believed that scientists would take off their methodological smocks when they leave the lab for the night and then go home to their families where they'd thank God for dinner:

Aspasia: "Likewise, it is not unreasonable to admit supernatural causes while engaged in science."

It's much more than unreasonable, it's strictly verboten -- by definition, when you admit supernatural processes or explanations, then you are no longer working in science, but in some other field, such as theology, miracles or, dare I say, magic.

108 posted on 08/10/2019 9:11:57 AM PDT by BroJoeK ((a little historical perspective...))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 100 | View Replies ]


To: BroJoeK
Verboten? You'll need the force of arms.

If we circumscribe the object of your study in such a way that prohibits a complete explanation then science doesn't give the whole picture. It just gives it's natural aspects.

And who is to say? If you get to choose what science is, you're not exactly beginning with a blank slate. That choice functions as a presupposition, and you've begun as a philosopher or theologian.

113 posted on 08/10/2019 9:29:32 AM PDT by aspasia
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 108 | View Replies ]

To: BroJoeK
by definition

Well, there's the crux.

Obviously there are definitions of what constitutes a good chance that has nothing to do with the probability of it actually happening.

116 posted on 08/10/2019 9:40:27 AM PDT by aspasia
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 108 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


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