Paul Brandon stated: > The problem is one of scientific method. > Once you posit that supernatural (by > definition beyond the predictability > of natural laws) forces can be at work in the > present work, how can you experimentally > separate the effects of the natural from the > supernatural? You're positing a 'wildcard' > variable that can always (by definition) > provide an alternative explanation to that > of any experimental variable.
Good comments, Paul. One that certainly has tremendous relevance for the field of science and the work that we do as scientists. The scientific method is a without doubt a powerful tool. By itself, however, it is an incomplete way of completely understanding the world around us. I'm not trying to diminish the contributions or importance of scientific inquiry, I'm just suggesting that other fields (such as theology, literature, etc.) have also greatly contributed to our understanding of the complex world in which we live. Let me ask you a question. Are all of your current beliefs and values based solely on scientific data? Or do you hold some beliefs and values have not been confirmed through the scientific method? Have you learned some things about the world through fields other than science? I'm prepared to take some things in life on faith. Similarly, I'm also prepared not to mislabel as science those things that I take on faith. And I'm also prepared not to teach as science that which is clearly not science. Rod ______________________________________________ Roderick D. Hetzel, Ph.D. Department of Psychology LeTourneau University Post Office Box 7001 2100 South Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75607-7001 Office: Heath-Hardwick Hall 115 Phone: 903-233-3312 Fax: 903-233-3246 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage: http://www.letu.edu/people/rodhetzel --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.325 / Virus Database: 182 - Release Date: 2/19/2002 --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
