Scientific Debates

Question 1

The 2 scientific + religious debates

Answer 1

• Empirical methodology of miracles
• Theories of cosmological creation

Question 2

Scientific methodology: miracles topic

Answer 2

Observation

• Gathering evidence empirically = to formulate hyp

Hypothesis

• Testable prediction based on observation = falsifiable

Experimentation

• Controlled testing of a hyp = validity + reliability

Question 3

Complementarity vs conflict of scientific method + religion

Answer 3

✅ Empirical observation + a posteriori claims
✅ Goulds: non-overlapping magesterium = rel asks WHY + sci asks HOW

⛔️ Scientific focus on falsification vs. faith (objective/subjective)
⛔️ Science seeks natural explanations vs. rel look to supernatural moral meaning

Question 4

Definition of Miracles

Answer 4

Aquinas = A miracle is an event beyond natural order caused by God.

• e.g Signs of John

Question 5

Humes critique of miracles

Answer 5

Always more rational to reject a miracle claim than to accept:

• Lacks a posteriori evidence = witnesses or empirical testability
• Conflicting religious claims
• “Ignorant and barbarous”

Question 6

Swinburnes defence of miracles

Answer 6

Accept if they fit within a coherent religious worldview and are supported by reliable testimony:

• Principle of Testimony: 🗣️
  Trust people’s reports unless there is strong evidence against them.
• Principle of Credulity: 📑
  Believe in events unless sufficient evidence to the contrary.

Question 7

Strengths of belief in miracles (3)

Answer 7

• Miracles strengthen religious belief (omnipotence) + provide divine authentication.
• Principle of Testimony = Swinburne
• Locke = acceptance of miracles depends on credibility of the witnesses + have theological significance

Question 8

Weaknesses of belief in miracles

Answer 8

• Hume = natural laws make miracles highly improbable.
• Human psychological tendency to believe in the extraordinary undermines reliability.

Question 9

🌱

Answer 9

Punitive parenting causes authoritarian personality = scape goat of lower status

Question 10

BIG BANG theory

Answer 10

Developed by Hubble:

~ 14 billion yrs ago space, time + matter was created as a result of rapid expansion of a single dense point

Question 11

Steady state theory of creation

Answer 11

Hoyle

The universe is eternal = continuous creation of matter to maintain density.

Question 12

Darwins notion evolution by natural selection

Answer 12

Common ancestor from which beneficial traits for survival/reproduction are passed on + Survival of the Fittest

Question 13

Dawkins evolution view

Answer 13

Selfish-gene = God Delusion

Evolution at genetic level, humans programmed for reproducing them into next gen

Question 14

Intelligent Design & Fine Tuning

Answer 14

Behe

Life’s complexity (natural laws) suggests a designer beyond natural processes.

• Anthropic Principle

Question 15

Gaia Hypothesis

Answer 15

Lovelock

Earth operates as a self-regulating organism maintaining conditions suitable for life.

• Atmosphere, oceans, soils work together to sustain equilibrium.

Question 16

Cosmological Theories complimenting religion (3)

Answer 16

Big Bang Theory

• Aligns with need for single creating cause (ex nihilo)
• Pope Piaus = states bbt aligns with Christian doctrines

Fine-Tuning Argument

• Anthropic Principle points to a divine designer

Theistic evolution

• Process theology = Gods active role in development of universe

Question 17

Cosmological Theories contradicting religion (2)

Answer 17

Steady State Theory + Gaia

• Universe is eternal and self-sustaining, denying a definite beginning or creator.

Evolutionary Theory

• Challenges Genesis (authority of the Bible) + emphasises reproduction purpose over Devine purpose

Question 18

Creationism

Answer 18

Account of Genesis is literal, reject sci exp that don’t conform (e.g. Morris)