From: RFaussette@aol.com
Date: Thu Oct 09 2003 - 07:40:05 EDT
In a message dated 10/8/03 10:20:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
hvantill@chartermi.net writes:
> No scientific theory (whether in the historical sciences or not) can be
> PROVED true in the strict logical sense. All scientific theories are
> underdetermined by the data. Alternative theories can always be crafted. So,
> we have no choice but to rely on well-informed judgment regarding the
> explanatory adequacy/success of any particular theory -- judgment based on
> relevant epistemic criteria.
>
> Sometimes, however, that informed judgment might well lead a person or a
> community to abandon a belief once held and to modify the reigning system of
> beliefs. That's what led the scientific community to abandon both flood
> geology and special creation.
>
> Howard Van Till
>
Also consider:
Sometimes, poorly informed judgment might well lead a person to abandon the
levitical prohibitions and liberalize their religion. This is the more
important issue because it impacts behavior. abandoning the flood geology and special
creation has no impact on current behavior either way. Since the scientific
community has found religion to be an evolved adaptation (Wilson, Colinvaux,
Durkheim, Burkett, Wilson, MacDonald) it would behoove us to understand
before considering abandonment those beliefs that have been passed down to us that
directly impact behavior.
rich faussette
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