We are creating the world's most trusted encyclopedia and knowledge base.
Once you join us and log in, you'll be able to edit this page instantly!

Naturalism

From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

Jump to: navigation, search

Image:Statusbar3.png
Main Article
Talk
Definition [?]
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
 
This is a draft article, under development. These unapproved articles are subject to a disclaimer.

Naturalism can mean a variety of different things, but mostly it refers to philosophical positions which hold that "nature is all that is", and can be contrasted with supernaturalism. There are many other uses of the word naturalism though.

Metaphysical v. methodological naturalism

In recent discussions over science education, specifically over the teaching of evolution and intelligent design, much has been made over the question of whether science is "naturalistic" or not. This has led philosophers like Barbara Forrest to draw a distinction between 'methodological' and 'metaphysical' or 'philosophical' naturalism - the former being a component of the method of the natural science, while the latter being optional and substitutable with, say, theism or some form of supernaturalism[1].

References

  1. Barbara Forrest, Methodological Naturalism and Philosophical Naturalism: Clarifying the Connection, Internet Infidels
Views
Personal tools