Transcendence and Critical Realism: When Philosophy of Science Contributes to Theology
Paul Allen (Department of Theological Studies, Concordia University)
Abstract
Following a number of attempts to bring theology into greater coherence with particular theories from the natural sciences, especially evolutionary theory and Big Bang cosmology, philosophers have begun to construct an epistemology that accommodates scientific and religious accounts of knowledge. Since Kuhn, it is increasingly assumed that religious thinkers are more hospitable toward tradition- bound, holist portraits of rationality instead of classical realist portraits which are thought to be vulnerable to naturalist critiques. In this paper, I argue that theology should nurture a critical realist epistemology that regards unobservable entities in the philosophy of science on the one hand, and God in theology, on the other hand. The role of cognitive virtues in theory verification, imaginative creativity and insight are elements of scientific rationality on a critical realist reading that contribute to theology’s ongoing negotiation of faith and reason.
Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2005
Time: 4:00 PM
Place: Concordia University, Loyola Campus, Science Pavilion (Building SP), 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, 3rd Floor
Room: SP 365.01
Contact: (514) 848-2424 ext 2595
Note: There are regular shuttle buses traveling between Sir George Williams Campus (1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.) and Loyola Campus; see Shuttle bus schedule.
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