Philosophy For Our Times God, science, and the natural world PART 1 | Philosopher Fiona Ellis
Nov 12, 2024
Fiona Ellis, a Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Roehampton, dives into the intricate relationship between naturalism and the supernatural. She challenges the abandonment of the supernatural, proposing a middle ground that incorporates moral phenomena. Ellis critiques traditional views of God, suggesting they often reflect human biases. She emphasizes that while science is vital, it cannot fully explain existence, spotlighting the importance of human experiences like morality and love as independent from supernatural beliefs.
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Naturalism vs. Supernaturalism
- Naturalism, the dominant philosophy, rejects supernaturalism.
- Supernaturalism posits entities like God and immaterial souls, requiring a separate realm.
The Problem of Two Realms
- Supernaturalism poses a problem for naturalists because it introduces a second, supernatural realm.
- Naturalists struggle to explain this realm's relation to the natural world and how we gain knowledge of it.
Scientific Naturalism
- Scientific naturalism defines nature by what science can comprehend.
- Some versions are more expansive, allowing unknown entities but requiring scientific explanation.
