"Perhaps we've gotten over-abbreviated. I was referring to
methodological
naturalism. But if ID actually includes the possibility of a "natural"
designer
then it's no argument againt metaphysical naturalism either. That would
have to be attacked on other grounds."
Aha! I should have known MN = "Methodological Naturalism," not
Metaphysical Naturalism" when you used it. You are right -- we do tend
to over-abbreviate!
< G >
Every time I pick on you it seems to turn on a word definition and we are
in accord! I, as you, have objected to Johnson (and indirectly to
Plantinga)
for their convolutions (as I see them) of conflation of the two terms. In
their defense, they see a difference between them -- but only a
theoretical difference, not one observed in practice. As I read Dawkins
and Sagan, I think they are correct for those two gentlemen; not for
others.
> George also wrote:
> ------------
> I think the claim that ID amounts to anything more than a
> scientifically clothed attempt to say "God did it" is an empty
formality.
> ----------------------
I ased:
" But is this your view of the people espousing it -- or the concept
itself?"
George replied:
It's my view of ID as it is actually being used - e.g., by those
who see
Johnson as a champion of evangelical Christianity. As I indicated, there
is
a formal possibility of other usages.
Understand. Again, no argument here.
Burgy
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