Swindal offers four models for the interaction of faith and reason. One of these models is particularly of interest here: the incompatibilist model. This model suggests, “…one can hold faith as transrational, inasmuch as it is higher than reason.” A second tier of this model is that faith can be irrational; hence, it is “not subject to rational evaluation at all” (Swindal, n.d., n.pag). The rationale behind having faith in God is that it binds together the common, or universal values and moral codes that are present in all cultures (Rachels, 1971, p. 621-22). Having said this, though, many who do have faith in God do not think that it requires any reasoning or any proof at all (Clark, n.d., n.pag.). In his discussion, though, Clark refers to…
So far, we have been discussing the manner in which Clifford argues that it is sometimes impermissible to believe something when one lacks adequate evidence. But remember: Clifford’s position is that it is never permissible to believe anything for which one lacks adequate evidence. How does Clifford extend the argument we’ve considered into one(s) whose conclusion(s) is/are that it is never permissible to believe anything for which one lacks adequate evidence? To what extent are his arguments for this conclusion successful? Explain.…
The Design Argument can be split into two sides: design qua purpose and design qua regularity. The key idea of design qua purpose comes from William Paley. He used analogy as the basis for his argument, noting how the complex design of a watch allows all the parts to work together perfectly to achieve its purpose. He then noted the complexity, order and purpose of the universe, stating that "every manifestation on design, which existed in the watch, exists in the works of nature." Therefore if a watch's intricacy stands as evidence that it has been designed, by analogy the universe must also have a designer and, as the designer is required to be supremely powerful, the designer must be God.…
In his article “The Ethics of Belief (Clifford, 1877) W.K. Clifford sought to argue that “it is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence” (as cited on p190). The aim of this essay is to establish whether indeed this view offered by Clifford, when considering religious faith, is convincing. In order to do this I will consider the arguments that Clifford put forward, including that which to believe anything based upon insufficient evidence always does harm and so is wrong. Such a statement is in direct opposition to those religious believers who regard their blind faith as a virtue and for whom evidence is something that is unnecessary in order to believe. Along with discussing Clifford I will detail the responses given by James who disagreed with Clifford and in response attacked his views within his own paper “The Will to Believe”. James believed instead that it is more important to achieve truth than to avoid error. Both men, in my opinion, offer strong and persuasive arguments however I do not believe that either stands without criticism, therefore throughout I will offer my own views on the foundations of their arguments, which I hope will establish, that although many of Clifford’s points are valid in particular and specific circumstances they do not offer, as proposed, a convincing view of religious faith.…
Wertheim, Margaret. "PBS Faith and Reason." PBS Faith and Reason. Prod. Ronald Bailey. PBS. 11 Sept. 1998. PBS. PBS. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.…
This essay is mostly defending the rationality of religious faith with evidence of religious truth lacking. In section X William James says, “In truths dependent on our personal action, then, faith based on desire is certainly a lawful and possibly an indispensable thing.” William James defends that religious beliefs depend on ones personal actions and can also be justified through ones faith based on desire. He states that the evidence of religion ultimately depends on our belief. James concludes that whether we choose to believe or not we decide our own…
In Townes argument, he is telling us that science is based on facts and logic conclusions while religion is based on faith alone. Townes said that science was used to discover order and to help us understand the world and ourselves. He believed that science was needed to help explain things in their simplest forms. On the other hand, Townes explained that religion was a way of acceptance through believing. It was a way for people to explain how they fit into the universe and how to give meaning to life. I believe that people have as much faith in science as they do in religion. It takes a large amount of faith to believe that our entire existence was created from the chaos of the universe. I believe that it is more plausible to have faith in…
Examine some of the key principles of the argument for the existence of God based upon religious experiences…
Our society can increase faith by giving people something to have faith in and hope for. If our society can can have such a strong faith in something as strong as the Puritans did, it would unite our nation as one. We would benefit from this because it would unify us together and create a common interest among people. It would help give people direction in their life and help them make better decisions. Faith would also give people hope in their life and motivate them to do better. I think faith is important in any society or individual person to give them the will to live life to its fullest and get the best from it. Personally, I would benefit from faith because it will better motivate me and give me something to work for. I also am unsure of my path in this world but faith could help me find my place in the world and discover myself. Faith could also help if I am having a hard time in life or with something it can give me hope and reassurance of how great life can be. I think faith is an important in any society and can change people’s perspective on…
The word faith refers to a religion itself or to religion in general with the confident belief or trust in truths of trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing. To have faith is to have and show complete trust of confidence with firm beliefs, even without logical proof. When people have a religious belief of spiritual apprehension of divine truth apart from proof; they have faith. Faith can also be a duty or commitment to fulfill a trusted promise with things believed or to be believed. Reason is to concern oneself with a supposed ability to cure medical illnesses by faith rather than a medical treatment within a hospital by a doctor. Showing faith of loyal trustworthy manner is what most people around the world believe in religious and non-religious traditions.…
With a church on just about every corner it is clear that faith is crucial in our society. Faith keeps our moral compasses pointing in the right direction and gives us something to believe in when all hope has vanished. It keeps us linked to one another in a monumental way, providing us a more socially responsible attitude. We as humans have faith that whatever “higher power” or “God” we believe in is watching out for us. There is a “plan” in everything we endure; nothing is…
1. The three views of the relationship between faith and reason are inevitable conflict, independent, and overlapping. If you were to draw a diagram representing inevitable conflict it would just be one circle with both words written in it. Inevitable conflict says that faith and reason deal with the same reality in the same way, but make different claims. In this view one is right and one is wrong. To draw a picture of the independent view, it would be two separate circles, faith in one and reason in another. In this view faith and reason are about two different things. To put it in simplest terms, Bill Nye would not argue with a child about whether Santa is real or not because they do not have anything to do with each other.…
My relation with Faith has been with me before I was born, starting with my parent’s migration to America. As a twelve-year-old leaving a Communist ruling Country, my mother certainly needed Faith to get by. Now, because my mother was so young at the time, she did not have the mental…
Although there is great variety in religion and philosophy, children are often directed towards certain beliefs. For example, those who are raised in a religious environment can feel that they have no choice but to conform to the religion of their families and friends. The American Humanist Association (AHA) strives to change this. In the article “Atheist Activists Targeting Children With ‘Good Without God’ Campaign” by Heather Clark, the author reports the start of an advertising campaign and website from the AHA. The campaign, made to direct children to the Kids Without God website, strives to provide a resource for those who may not have access to knowledge outside of their religious environment. The website’s homepage states that the resource is for “young people around the world who have embraced science, rejected superstition, and are dedicated to being Good Without A God” (“Kids Without God”). There is controversy surrounding the campaign; some strongly believe that a belief in God is necessary for young children to have. However, Siddhartha,…
It’s so important to know why to believe the Bible. Christians base so many arguments…