John Wilkins gives a lecture on naturalism and how to approach explanations without committing to assumptions about God or other non-natural concepts. He argues that as a naturalist, one need only consider natural or scientific "foils" or alternatives when providing explanations. Non-natural concepts like God or the soul do not need to be granted as viable contrasts. Wilkins also addresses how naturalistic accounts can explain phenomena like the mind, morality, meaning, religion and more without needing to appeal to transcendence or concepts beyond the natural world.
Ancient Greek influences on philosophy of religion - AS OCR Philosophy of Rel...wizwardealdam
Plato: the Analogy of the Cave
The Republic VII. 514A–521B
Candidates should be able to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of what might be
represented in the Analogy of the Cave by the
following:
• the prisoners, the shadows, the cave itself, the
outside world, the sun, the journey out of the
cave and the return to the prisoners.
Candidates should be able to discuss critically
the validity of the points being made in this
analogy.
Plato: the concept of the Forms;
the Form of the Good
Candidates should understand what Plato meant
by ‘Forms’ and be able to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of:
• the relation between concepts and
phenomena;
• the concept of ‘Ideals’;
• the relation between the Form of the Good
and the other Forms.
Candidates should be able to discuss critically
the validity of the above points.
Aristotle: ideas about cause and purpose in
relation to God
Metaphysics Book 12
Candidates should be able to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of:
• Aristotle’s understanding of material, efficient,
formal and final cause;
• Aristotle’s concept of the Prime Mover.
Candidates should be able to discuss critically
the validity of the above points.
Ancient Greek influences on philosophy of religion - AS OCR Philosophy of Rel...wizwardealdam
Plato: the Analogy of the Cave
The Republic VII. 514A–521B
Candidates should be able to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of what might be
represented in the Analogy of the Cave by the
following:
• the prisoners, the shadows, the cave itself, the
outside world, the sun, the journey out of the
cave and the return to the prisoners.
Candidates should be able to discuss critically
the validity of the points being made in this
analogy.
Plato: the concept of the Forms;
the Form of the Good
Candidates should understand what Plato meant
by ‘Forms’ and be able to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of:
• the relation between concepts and
phenomena;
• the concept of ‘Ideals’;
• the relation between the Form of the Good
and the other Forms.
Candidates should be able to discuss critically
the validity of the above points.
Aristotle: ideas about cause and purpose in
relation to God
Metaphysics Book 12
Candidates should be able to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of:
• Aristotle’s understanding of material, efficient,
formal and final cause;
• Aristotle’s concept of the Prime Mover.
Candidates should be able to discuss critically
the validity of the above points.
Many people wrestle with the profound question about the existence of God. In this slideshow, Dr. Boa unpacks some key arguments for His existence. www.kenboa.org
This presentation examines the moral argument for God and presents evidence that shows if God does not exist, then neither do objective moral values and duties.
Does God Exist?
Why God Does Not Exist
Does God Exist
Does God Exist? Essay
Does God Exist
Does God Exist Essay
Does God Really Exists? Essay
Does God Exist? Essay
Does God Exist? Essay
Does God Exist?
Does God Exist? Essay
Many people wrestle with the profound question about the existence of God. In this slideshow, Dr. Boa unpacks some key arguments for His existence. www.kenboa.org
This presentation examines the moral argument for God and presents evidence that shows if God does not exist, then neither do objective moral values and duties.
Does God Exist?
Why God Does Not Exist
Does God Exist
Does God Exist? Essay
Does God Exist
Does God Exist Essay
Does God Really Exists? Essay
Does God Exist? Essay
Does God Exist? Essay
Does God Exist?
Does God Exist? Essay
SOC 420 Lesson 2 SEQ CHAPTER h r 1 Epistemology and the Sociolo.docxmckellarhastings
SOC 420 Lesson 2 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1: Epistemology and the Sociology of Religion
Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.
—Mahatma Ghandi (as cited at
brainyquote.com)
First Things First—Basic Concepts and Required Reading
Welcome to Lesson 2 of our Sociology of Religion course! Hopefully you’re getting all the time you need to fully process the concepts we’re reading about. In case you were curious:
A “concept” is a topic, subject, complex idea, etc. We read about the concepts of sociology, religion, and Rational Choice theory in the previous unit, for instance. In this unit, we are reading about the concepts of social theories, methods, epistemology, and so forth. Please start by reading the assigned text chapters. There are other readings in the remainder of the lesson that are recommended, but also optional. As I’ve previously noted, I generally err on giving you access to more information than you’ll probably need, rather than not enough. In any case, there are some additional key concepts to cover in this lesson, so let’s jump into it.
The Wide Wonderful World of Epistemology
In the sociology of religion, especially as we consider the importance of studying religion scientifically (for Assignment 2 purposes), ( it’s useful to understand a little of the discourse of
epistemology, or
how we know something is true, valid, or correct. To introduce this topic, let’s consider a classic poem by English poet John Godfrey Saxe, based on a Hindu parable:
“The Blind Men and the Elephant.” (See the link for both the poem and some insightful commentary.) First published in 1872, the poem recounts an analogy of six blind men who encounter an elephant. Not knowing the whole animal, each man goes to a part of it and says what he thinks the elephant is based on that. One finds a leg and says the elephant is a tree, and so forth. The elephant is also characterized as a fan (ear), wall (side), spear (tusk), rope (tail), and snake (trunk). Then the men argued about what the elephant really was, still never truly seeing or understanding the entire elephant itself. All of them had perceived a part of the elephant, but none of them had actually seen or comprehended the elephant’s nature, character, and totality. And so, as Saxe concludes:
“Each was partly in the right / And all were in the wrong!”
Saxe, as he states near the end, was directly commenting on religious squabbles. The point he was trying to make was that people try to pick and choose which religion they favor, perceiving a small part of the totality of Objective Truth, though nobody sees anything close to all of it. But we can apply his overall ideas to epistemology. We don’t necessarily see all of the whole picture when we try to know something or investigate a question that interests us, either. But we try to understand as much of the problem as we can—given the substantial risk .
One fact is sure, what you believe will greatly influence who you are and what you become. Your belief, or lack of it, will create your limitations for success, happiness, love and your very destiny.
What is God?
Evil, the lack of good
Does God exist?
What is Spirituality?
The difference between energy and spiritism
Healing with Medicine vs. Faith
Does God want you sick?
Who is responsible for your health?
Did God create evil?
Is God love, or judgment?
Does diet -health of the physical body- affect our spirituality?
Man’s Intended Diet
Blood type discrepancies and earth catastrophes change physiology
Self-test for Spirituality
What is your potential?
It is surprising that people who say they are Christians, when asked how does change you from your first point of becoming a Christian, they often do not know. They answer when asked with all sorts of 'spiritual' answers. But how do we change, what is the process of change. Scripture (The Bible) does actually tell us what is the process!
A talk based on my chapter in _Species Problems and Beyond_ (CRC Press, 2022) in which I argue that some concepts are neither model-based as Nercessian argues, nor theory-derived, but come from the operative traditions as they develop out of folk concepts.
How to Create Map Views in the Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
The map views are useful for providing a geographical representation of data. They allow users to visualize and analyze the data in a more intuitive manner.
Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology:
Ethnobotany in herbal drug evaluation,
Impact of Ethnobotany in traditional medicine,
New development in herbals,
Bio-prospecting tools for drug discovery,
Role of Ethnopharmacology in drug evaluation,
Reverse Pharmacology.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
The Indian economy is classified into different sectors to simplify the analysis and understanding of economic activities. For Class 10, it's essential to grasp the sectors of the Indian economy, understand their characteristics, and recognize their importance. This guide will provide detailed notes on the Sectors of the Indian Economy Class 10, using specific long-tail keywords to enhance comprehension.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
1. Naturalism, Humanism and the
Religious Temperament
God and the Natural Sciences
Lecture 20
John Wilkins
2. Where to begin?
• Stephen argued for a theology of evolution based
on certain prior assumptions about God
• What happens if we do not grant those
presumptions?
• I will argue that there is no reason, in the
abstract, for granting that assumption set
• So if I begin from a lack of commitment to a
God, what must I do to replace God in my
philosophy?
3. There is one short rule that should regulate
human relationships. All that you see, both
divine and human, is one. We are parts of the
same great body. Nature created us from the
same source and to the same end. She imbued
us with mutual affection and sociability, she
taught us to be fair and just, to suffer injury
rather than to inflict it. She bid us extend our
hands to all in need of help. Let that well-
known line be in our heart and on our
lips: Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto.
[Seneca, Moral letters to Lucilius, Letter 95, 51–53]
“I am a human; nothing human
is foreign to me”
Publius Terentius Afer, or Terence
(195/185–159 BCE), Roman slave and poet
4. Back to Naturalism
• Problems of completeness
• Reductionism
• Is everything physics?
• What is the meaning of it all without
transcendence?
• What is the source of knowledge?
5. Contrasts and explanations
• According to Contrastive Explanation Theory (Peter Lipton)
▫ An explanation is an answer to a question
▫ The question supposes a set of (viable) alternatives or
contrasts
▫ The explanation is always partial (as not all alternatives are
considered
• What counts as a viable contrast space?
▫ It depends on the history of the dialogue (where’s the
argument up to?) and what has been eliminated already
▫ “What gets explained is not simply ‘Why this’, but ‘Why this
rather than that’.” [Lipton, 249]
6. How to know a rough, blueish median-sized object
Explanation is like this: a narrowing of possible accounts and causes
7. How it works
• Suppose I have an explanandum (E, the thing to be
explained)
• On offer are three possible explanans (explanations):
A, B and C (there are an infinity of other possibilities)
• I can offer an explanation of E by one of them if I can
show that the other two are less preferable
▫ A is empirically inadequate (doesn’t explain all the
relevant data)
▫ B is un-parsimonious (it adds unnecessary processes
or entities)
▫ Therefore C is the best explanation
8. What are the contrasting positions (foils)?
• That depends on the subject matter:
▫ Is it God-as-explanation versus Natural-process-as-
explanation?
▫ Is it Physics-as-explanation versus Mind-as-explanation?
▫ Etcetera
• What contrasts should I, as a naturalist, consider?
▫ Do I have to consider God as a possibility?
▫ Do I have to assume the viability of non-natural
explanations?
▫ Or can I assume the burden of proof is on the non-
naturalist?
9. The state of the dialogue
• The available foils depend on the state of the debate in which foils are
offered
• It follows that the “space” of available foils depends on which debate
we are engaged in
• If we are engaged in a scientific debate, only scientific foils are available
▫ “God’s action” is not a viable foil in science now
• If we are engaged in a philosophical debate, then offered metaphysical
claims are foils
▫ Non-natural foils are acceptable in philosophy
• But as a naturalist (recall my personal story), I have already lost any
commitment to non-naturalist foils
• So what foils are viable depends on your doxastic commitments
(“doxastic” refers to beliefs)
10. Can a Naturalist account for everything?
• What does a [metaphysical, ontic] naturalist need to account for?
▫ Mind? Consciousness? Experiences?
▫ Language and meaning?
▫ Morality and The Good?
▫ Existence?
• This depends on what one can reasonably count as contentious and in
need of explanation
▫ One strategy is to give explanations of things that used to be explained
non-naturally (e.g., consciousness)
▫ Another is to deny that there is an explanandum there (e.g., Dennett on
consciousness)
▫ A third: to suspend judgement in the absence of telling evidence
(agnosticism)
14. Is it all physics?
• Two questions:
1. Can we find anything that is not physical?
2. Can we account for transcendence?
• Q1: If there is, it doesn’t have any observable effect
▫ Schrödinger’s equation covers it all
▫ A soul can have no effect in a closed physical universe
• Q2: Why think there is transcendence?
▫ We can explain, in principle, all experiences of
transcendentalism
15. Existence
• The Weak Anthropic Principle does not imply the
Strong Anthropic Principle
▫ We’ll get back to that
• Why something rather than nothing?
▫ Can we even conceive of nothing existing?
[See the inherent contradiction?]
• Something must exist if there is anything: why not
stop at the universe [or multiverse]?
▫ Why do we need to invoke a non-natural object like
God?
19. Explaining religion
• What needs to be explained about religion?
• Is it:
1. The ubiquity of religion?
2. Religious experiences (call them ecstatic)
3. Why religion evolved?
• There are naturalistic explanations
1. Cognitive science of religion – HADD
2. Neurological explanations
3. Adaptive and spandrel type explanations
20. Ubiquity of religion
• Romans 1:20:
▫ For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and
divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the
creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So
they are without excuse.
• Calvin mentioned the sensus divitatis – the internal sense
of divinity
▫ That there exists in the human mind and indeed by natural
instinct, some sense of Deity [sensus divinitatis], we hold to
be beyond dispute, since God himself, to prevent any man
from pretending ignorance, has endued all men with some
idea of his Godhead…. …this is not a doctrine which is first
learned at school, but one as to which every man is, from
the womb, his own master; one which nature herself allows
no individual to forget.
21. Ubiquity of religion
• But is there such a sense?
• It depends on what you wish to include within
the term religion
• We do tend to anthropomorphise natural events,
processes and things
• Is this religion, or a developmental stage?
• Justin Barrett: Hyperactive Agency Detection
Device (HADD)
▫ A “module” designed to identify danger that gives
many false positives, but increases fitness
22. Ecstatic religious experiences
• Near Death Experiences (NDEs)
• Sudden enlightenment
• Awe and feelings of oneness
• Trances
• Altered consciousness
• All explicable (in principle) by neurobiology
▫ NDE: All similar to dreaming, and degradation of
brain pathways
▫ Enlightenment as gestalt switch-style patterns
▫ Oneness and awe as by-products of our social
psychology
▫ Trances as