God and Science Quiz 5

What analogy does William James use to criticize Clifford?

William James criticizes W.K. Clifford’s strict requirement for evidence before belief by arguing that some decisions—especially in moral or religious matters—are unavoidable and must be made without conclusive proof. Using the analogy of a "genuine option" that is live, forced, and momentous, James contends that refusing to believe in such cases is itself a choice with real consequences. He suggests that Clifford’s demand for evidence in all situations could prevent people from embracing beliefs that might lead to truth, especially when waiting for certainty would mean missing out on meaningful experiences or commitments.- If you are standing before a train that may hit someone unless you act, but you have no time for certainty—you must decide to act or not, without full evidence—then refusing to believe (and act) is still a choice.

How does Chesterton distinguish between laws of logic, and laws of science? Which of these are magical and enchanted?

G.K. Chesterton distinguishes between laws of logic and laws of science by arguing that laws of logic are necessary and unchangeable, forming the basic structure of rational thought, while laws of science are contingent and could have been otherwise. In Orthodoxy, he describes the laws of science as “magical and enchanted” because, although they appear consistent, they are not logically necessary and instead reflect a kind of divine wonder or repeated miracle. For Chesterton, the regularity of nature—like the rising of the sun or the blooming of a flower—is not something to take for granted, but something to marvel at, as if the world is sustained by a continuous act of will, much like magic.

How does Dawkins define the word miracle?

Richard Dawkins defines a miracle as a violation of the laws of nature by a supernatural being, typically God. In The God Delusion, he argues that miracles, by definition, suspend or override natural laws, and therefore fall outside the scope of scientific understanding. Dawkins is highly skeptical of miracles, viewing them not as genuine events but as claims that often reflect ignorance, wishful thinking, or misinterpretation of natural phenomena. For him, invoking miracles undermines the consistency and explanatory power of science.

According to Duhem, does science use naturalistic assumptions? If so, does this mean naturalism is true?

According to Pierre Duhem, science operates using naturalistic assumptions, meaning it seeks to explain phenomena through natural causes and observable processes. However, this methodological naturalism is a practical approach, not a claim about the ultimate nature of reality. Duhem argues that while science assumes naturalism to function effectively, this does not prove that naturalism is true in a metaphysical sense. Science is limited to constructing useful models of the physical world and cannot determine ultimate truths about existence, God, or metaphysics.

What does McGilchrist say about a society which is dominated by the left hemisphere?

McGilchrist argues that a society dominated by the left hemisphere becomes overly rational, fragmented, and controlling—prioritizing abstraction, efficiency, and systems over meaning, connection, and holistic understanding—leading to alienation and a loss of depth in human experience.

In the reading, which religious view does Gould sympathize with? What are the two magisteria that do not overlap?

Gould sympathizes with the view of non-overlapping magisteria (NOMA). The two magisteria are science, which addresses questions of fact and the natural world, and religion, which deals with meaning and moral values.

What is Dennett’s point about superman?

Dennett argues that the notion of a superman, often depicted as possessing extraordinary powers or knowledge, challenges our understanding of consciousness and free will. He suggests that these concepts should be examined within the framework of evolutionary biology and cognitive science, rather than attributing them to supernatural explanations.

According to Polanyi, how does science relate to society more broadly?

Science, according to Polanyi, is deeply intertwined with society, as it requires a community of individuals to develop and validate knowledge, cultivating trust and shared values essential for scientific pursuit.

According to Oakshot, what kind of knowledge did modernity prioritize?

Oakshot argues that modernity prioritized instrumental knowledge, focusing on practical outcomes and efficiency over traditional forms of knowledge rooted in cultural and moral context.

According to Wolterstorff, how does faith relate to knowledge?

Wolterstorff posits that faith plays a crucial role in shaping and informing our understanding of knowledge, suggesting that belief systems influence how individuals interpret and engage with the world around them. He emphasizes the importance of integrating faith into the epistemological framework.