Philosophy of Science
The nature of scientific knowledge and its relationship to other ways of knowing—grounded in theistic presuppositions.
Presuppositions of Science
Science rests on assumptions it cannot prove. These presuppositions are necessary for science but cannot be established by science.
Why is the universe orderly? Why is it intelligible? Why can human reason discover its laws? These questions point beyond science to metaphysics—and ultimately to theology.
- Order and Regularity: Science assumes nature is orderly—but why should it be? The laws of nature are contingent; they could have been otherwise.
- Intelligibility: Science assumes the universe is rationally comprehensible—a remarkable fact. Einstein: 'The eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility.'
- Reliability of Reason: Science trusts human reason to discover truth—but what grounds this trust? If minds evolved for survival, why trust them for truth?
- Uniformity of Nature: Science assumes the future will resemble the past. But this cannot be proven—it is the problem of induction.
Science and Theism
Theism provides the best explanation for science's presuppositions. A rational God explains why the universe is rationally ordered and why minds can understand it.
Historically, modern science arose in Christian Europe. The doctrine of creation—a rational God creating an orderly cosmos—provided the intellectual foundation for scientific inquiry.
- Rational Creator: A rational God explains why the universe is rationally ordered. The Logos grounds the intelligibility of nature.
- Imago Dei: Minds made in God's image can understand God's creation. We think God's thoughts after Him.
- Complementary: Science and theology address different questions—how and why. They are not rivals but partners in understanding reality.
- Historical Roots: Modern science arose in Christian Europe. Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Faraday—believers who saw science as reading God's book of nature.