Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the origin, nature,
methods, and limits of human knowledge. Science does discount the
supernatural. Scientists may not but science certainly does. The point I
was making is that in the process of devising different disciplines in order
for the human mind to learn, we ought not to annihilate any form of
knowledge in the process of putting the whole thing together. That is all.
For instance, scientists have no business making philosophical or
theological pronouncements and think that they are talking science. Carl
Sagan made a statement in Cosmos that the earth was a forgotten,
insignificant planet. Insignificant to whom? Forgotten by whom?
Take care,
Moorad
-----Original Message-----
From: William A. Wetzel <n6rky@pacbell.net>
To: Moorad Alexanian <alexanian@uncwil.edu>
Cc: Brian D Harper <bharper@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu>;
asa@udomo3.calvin.edu <asa@udomo3.calvin.edu>
Date: Wednesday, May 05, 1999 4:46 PM
Subject: Re: Phil Johnson on Focus on the Family
>Dear Moorad:
>
>I knew we would eventually get to that topic! Epistemology is what I have
>seen wielded by most Socratics (who deny evolution). And I aways respond:
>"OCCAMS RAZOR". This is what science is all about. Looking for causes for
>phenomena in the natural realm.
>
>It DOES not mean that science discounts the supernatural though. It is in
>the extremist camps ONLY where the supernatural is altogether ruled out.
>
>I will read the book you had suggested, but I remind you that science has
>it's own epistemology. Logic alone does not prove a case. And consilience
>and/or Unity of Knowledge (like Utopia) is an unachievable ideal.
>
>Best Wishes,
>William - N6RKY
>
>
>Moorad Alexanian wrote:
>>
>> Dear William,
>>
>> It so happens that I just began to read the book "Consilience: the unity
of
>> knowledge" by Edward O. Wilson. However, what I am talking about comes
from
>> a philosophy course I took while an undergraduate at the University of
Rhode
>> Island. My philosophy professor, William Oliver Martin, was the author
of
>> the book we used, "The Order and Integration of Knowledge." The best
course
>> I ever took! It is hard reading but it is a must for all interested in
>> epistemology.
>>
>> I am quitting for the day, finals to grade,
>>
>> Moorad