The Sketch of the Model of Levels of Analysis in the Studies of Relation Between Science and Religion
Journal Title: Filozoficzne Aspekty Genezy - Year 2012, Vol 9, Issue 0
Abstract
I propose the model of division of statements on the reality that differentiate them according to the degree of their empirical character. The following model is supposed to facilitate analysis of propositions on the relation of science and religion. One extreme are metaphysical statements (in the logical empiricism’s view of metaphysics) that are empirically neutral. The other extreme are empirical statements characterized by the maximum level of testability. It is demonstrated how ignoring the levels of analysis influences some positions on science and religion. Problematic positions are named ‘too easily conflicting’ and ‘too easily reconciliating’ science and religion. In the first case I present negative reception of scientific theory of evolution by Michał Chaberek on the basis of ontological assumptions that are in conflict with assumptions of this theory. The problem of ‘too easy reconciliation’ of science and religion is the shift in the meaning of categories from the one on the lowest, empirical level, toward the meaning that belongs to the highest, metaphysical level of analysis. This problem is illustrated by the shift from interventionist concept of creation and divine action in the world toward its noninterventionist interpretation that limits God’s actions only to sustaining the world in its existence. We can find this shift in some theistic naturalism positions. In the last part I argue that the main difference between the mediaeval (traditional) and the contemporary positions on natural philosophy and religion that attempt to accommodate Christian and scientific worldviews is that contemporary thinkers ascribe epistemic authority not only to empirical statements of contemporary science, but also to its philosophical naturalistic assumption from higher levels of analysis. Holding these anti-interventionist and monistic ontology of nature leads them to extremely non-empirical understanding of relation between the supernatural and the natural world.
Authors and Affiliations
Piotr Bylica
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP125228
- DOI -
- Views 101
- Downloads 0
Naturalizm metodologiczny?
W ramach filozoficznej doktryny naturalizmu metodologicznego utrzymuje się, że warunkiem uznania jakiegokolwiek badania świata za „naukowe” jest to, że nie może ono odwoływać się do stwórczego działania Boga (ani żadnego...
SETI and Intelligent Design
Proponents of intelligent design theory frequently claim that their theory is analogical to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) program and, as a consequence, it has scientific character. However, author...
Filozofia przyrody po niemiecku (recenzja książki: Hans-Dieter Mutschler, [i]Wprowadzenie do filozofii przyrody. Wybrane zagadnienia[/i], przeł. Józef Bremer, Wydawnictwo WAM, Kraków 2005, s. 238)
Projekt jako kryterium demarkacji
Naturalizm metodologiczny, chociaż w sposób niejawny za sprawą wykluczenia odwołań do celowości, funkcjonuje całkowicie w zgodzie z założeniami naturalizmu ontologicznego i dlatego operuje jedynie w sferze tego, co empir...
The Place of Life and Man in Nature: Defending the Anthropocentric Thesis
Here I review the claim that the order of nature is uniquely suitable for life as it exists on earth (Terran life), and specifically for living beings similar to modern humans. I reassess Henderson’s claim from The Fitne...