Lecture 8

The world is full of wonderous things that evoke our admiration. Some authors, accordingly, have used the natural world to argue for the existance of the deity. Is the fact that this is "the best of all possible worlds" a sound basis for a logical argument?

Given that Intelligent Design has no power to explain anything better than simply to say that a thing is not explainable, what would be the point behind promoting I. D.?

What do you feel are the flaws in the use of complex systems as proof of design?

Lecture 7

Mechanical Philosophy is the idea that the universe is a great machine functioning mechanically comprised of matter, its shape, and motion (as a watch is). Mechanical Philosophy implies a divine creator but one that is absent after creation.

A "god of the gaps" is a phrase that refers to a god that exists because of a gap in knowledge. That is, a means to describe something that understanding of natural law does not sufficiently explain. For example, many plagues were considered to be the "Wrath of God", but were later explained by medical science. Thus the gap for God was closed.

Does Mechanical Philosophy create a situation for a god of the gaps or does it limit the opportunities?

Secondly, how would one compare a god of the gaps with deities from "primitive" or natural religions, e.g. Greek or Native American traditions.

Lecture 6

Through impolitic statements, Galileo annoyed Pope Urban VIII, which eventually landed him under house arrest; does extreme brilliance give anyone the right to assume a superior stance? The major issue between the two was regarding causation of events, suggest a method for mediating such issues.

Lecture 5

Many of the problems that Gallileo had were because of differences between personal interpretations of scripture and the official interpretations. Should theologic knowledge be treated any differently than scientific knowledge; i.e. scripture is generally interpreted while scientific books are treated as fact NOT open to interpretation?

Lecture 4

Imagine that God suspended all his activity for and specific period of time; how would this appear to us? Assume at first that naturalism (God's direct activity ceased after creation; effects are caused by the nature that God gave each thing) is the correct description of the world; then assume an occasionalist (all causation is directly God's will) perspective. Could the suspension of God's activity for a time help us decide between naturalism and supernaturalism (Hint: Think about how we sense.)

Lecture 3

Chose any premise you hold as true and consider why you hold it as true. Consider the foundations of your premise and your supporting premises. Is there a point at which a "leap of faith" is required to undergird your premise? Consider how "far back" in your personal knowledge system this leap is positioned. Do you remain confident of it? Why or Why not? (Adapted from the course Guide Book.)

Lecture 2

The concept of conflict between science and religion actually began in the 19th century; before which, theologins were "natural philosophers", what we now call scientists. Can you think of any examples of conflict between science and religion before then? How has this concept of conflict affected you or your world? How would you go about 'correcting' misconceptions handed down throughout history?

Lecture 1

How do you define science? Religion?