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It is a basic observational error to postulate the existence of a "spiritual/supernatural arena". Where is the evidence for this supernatural arena? where does it reside? and what does it consist of?
In brief my response is that this is all up for discussion. If it reads better to you I can adjust my phrasing as follows: "IF the spiritual realm exists the scientific method is perhaps not the best way to explore it".
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because in my 27 years on this earth I've never come across a "supernatural arena" nor have I had any inclination to unnecessarily postulate its existence.
The French astronomer and mathematician Pierre-Simon Laplace is famously quoted for the same idea in his conversation with Napoleon
Napoleon: You have written this huge book on the system of the world without once mentioning the author of the universe.
Laplace: Sire, I had no need of that hypothesis.
This sums up methodological naturalism well as applied to scientific inquiry. You are only one person with one set of experiences. What about the people who have experienced something supernatural?
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What conclusions in particular are you referring to?
Atheism
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because I'm starting to get the impression that you've never read anything by R Dawkins.
The only thing I have read from Dawkins is TGSOE and the youtubes.
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You would have a discussion about what the data "means" and you would be wrong. Do you know why you would be wrong? because you haven't spent enough time with the data.
I disagree, but ok.
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Applying biology to spirituality? Why would a scientist apply a whole lot of assumptions to the interpretation of his data when his goal is to eliminate any and all assumptions possible?
Just to clarify I am not suggesting religion should somehow be integrated into biology or other sciences. Scientists should eliminate all assumptions which is simply good science according to methodological naturalism. Do you appreciate the difference between methodological naturalism and philosophical naturalism?
As I mentioned above not even all scientists apply methodological naturalism to all aspects of thought and life.
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Also, can you please define spirituality for me?
Broadly speaking, things which exist beyond the physical realm which include but are not limited to: God(s), prayer, consciousness of man (spirit?), morality, compassion, and life after death.
By its nature spirituality is difficult to pin down with words because it is immaterial. I think our state of mind is included in spirituality, things like hope, despair, fear, joy etc. These are part of our consciousness and spiritual state.
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I would recommend "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Dawkins if you think that this is his view because this couldn't be further from his interpretation of the data. His whole book is about celebrating the natural in all its glory, without the need for superfluous supernatural - without the need for additional assumptions.
I was providing an example, I was not attempting to summarize RD's views. I have read TGSOE.
Last edited by LEMONZEST; 08-14-2014 at 01:56 PM.