The Credibility of Science and Religion : Comparing the Rational Structure of Scientific and Religious Belief Systems / Paul Weingartner.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Weingartner, Paul, Author.

Series:

Philosophical Analysis Series

Philosophical Analysis , 2627-227X ; 90

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (XVI, 658 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Berlin ; Boston : De Gruyter, [2025]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

Weingartner compares criteria and basic assumptions for the credibility of scientific and religious belief systems. It is shown that mankind has access to basic knowledge about a higher spiritual power and knowledge by conscience about what is obligatory or forbidden. This is defended by further axiomatizations on basic terms as natural goods, natural and moral law, and conscience. Scientific and religious belief systems are then compared thoroughly and by logical deduction and verisimilitude. One main argument is that every kind of belief system has an upper and a lower bound of credibility, yet a degree of credibility that leads to the impossibility of rational justification for scientific belief systems must not be required from religious belief systems. Further topics are internal and external consistency, local refutation, mutual complementation between religion and theory of evolution as well as a comparison of the five world religions leading to general features of religion. It is shown that one main yet basic axiom of morality is the principle of charity. Finally, the book concludes with the credibility-requirements of science towards religion and those of religion towards science.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Preface

Contents

0 Introduction

1 Belief Systems of Science and Religion

2 Necessary Conditions for the Credibility of BS: Meeting Natural Goods – Natural and Moral Law – Conscience

3 Credibility of Scientific and Religious Belief Systems

4 Religion From a Scientific Point of View

5 Science from a Religious Point of View

Bibliography

Abbreviations

Index of Axioms and Definitions

Index of Subjects

Index of Names

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 23. Jan 2025)

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9783111348858

OCLC:

1491308078