PHL 329: Science and Religion

Essay #2 Prompts

Write a 3 to 4 page critical essay on any one prompt. Your essay must show evidence of careful research, including consulting our course textbook, encyclopedias of philosophy, science and religion, and other scholarly resources. Refer to at least five sources and limit online sources to two.

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Formatting guidelines: The following applies to all written assignments:

· Use either APA/MLA/Chicago writing standards to cite sources.

· “Your essay should be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″) with 1″ margins on all sides. You should use a clear font that is highly readable. APA recommends using 12 pt. Times New Roman font.” https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

· Include a title page and headers with your last name and page number.

1. According the instrumentalists, scientific concepts and theories are merely useful instruments whose worth is measured not by whether the concepts and theories are true or false, or how correctly they depict reality, but by how effective they are in explaining and predicting phenomena. What exactly do they mean by this assertion? How does this contrast with the views held by the realists and the idealists? Briefly explain each position and critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

2. According to some believers, we live in an age when reason seems to negate revelation. Keeping this general observation as background, critically discuss the debate between natural and revealed theology. Be sure to first define and explain the two notions clearly. What are some of the central issues over which the two lock horns, metaphorically speaking?

3. Many scientists, as well as some theologians and philosophers, have argued that religious faith and scientific reasoning are not compatible. Some scientists and philosophers have further suggested that natural reason alone is sufficient to provide us with answers to questions about the meaning or purpose of human existence. However, some scientists (as well as many philosophers and theologians) have argued that faith and reason are indeed compatible. Briefly sketch the faith-reason debate. Be sure to first define and explain each notion clearly. Where do you stand on this debate? Give at least three carefully thought through reasons for your stand.

4. In recent years, evolutionary psychologists and cognitive scientists have begun to argue that “religion” can (and should) be regarded as a complex amalgam of essentially human phenomena, which are communicated and regulated by natural human perception and cognition. Religion is treated as a natural phenomenon, which arises through – not in spite of – natural human ways of thinking, a product of evolutionary processes. This represents a significant challenge to believers who hold a transcendental view of religious beliefs. Briefly describe and critically evaluate the debate between these two positions.

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