WHAT CAN EVOLVED MINDS KNOW OF GOD? AN ASSESSMENT FROM THE STANDPOINT OF EVOLUTIONARY EPISTEMOLOGY.
Saved in:
| Title: | WHAT CAN EVOLVED MINDS KNOW OF GOD? AN ASSESSMENT FROM THE STANDPOINT OF EVOLUTIONARY EPISTEMOLOGY. |
|---|---|
| Source: | Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science. Mar2022, Vol. 57 Issue 1, p25-45. 21p. |
| Subjects: | Theory of knowledge, God, Animal species, Apostles, Theology |
| Abstract: | Humans can only act successfully in the world because many of their mental concepts of that world—for example, three‐dimensional space—are objectively valid: hence the approach of evolutionary epistemology (EE). An overall world picture, "Umwelt," is peculiar to each animal species as their sensory functions differ, but the concept of Cause is widespread and fundamental: it leads humans to an idea of God as Cause of creation. But further certain knowledge of God is impossible, theology must be Apophatic: Pseudo‐Dionysius and Wordsworth provide examples. The Apostles' Creed is considered from the standpoint of EE: its metaphysical claims are meaningless but the human aspects remain wholly acceptable. Fuller theological pictures will be sustainable only on an "as if" basis. Any more positive theological position is increasingly dangerous, and claims of certainty can never be upheld. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science is the property of Open Library of Humanities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Humans can only act successfully in the world because many of their mental concepts of that world—for example, three‐dimensional space—are objectively valid: hence the approach of evolutionary epistemology (EE). An overall world picture, "Umwelt," is peculiar to each animal species as their sensory functions differ, but the concept of Cause is widespread and fundamental: it leads humans to an idea of God as Cause of creation. But further certain knowledge of God is impossible, theology must be Apophatic: Pseudo‐Dionysius and Wordsworth provide examples. The Apostles' Creed is considered from the standpoint of EE: its metaphysical claims are meaningless but the human aspects remain wholly acceptable. Fuller theological pictures will be sustainable only on an "as if" basis. Any more positive theological position is increasingly dangerous, and claims of certainty can never be upheld. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 05912385 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/zygo.12739 |
