Comparative Study - Hume & Swinburne Flashcards
What does Hume write about in his book “Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding”?
the general appeal to miracles cannot demonstrate the truth of religion.
In part one he shows on philosophical grounds evidence against miracles outweighs evidence for
In part two he shows although evidence in favour can outweigh evidence against, this never happens
What kind of philosopher was David Hume?
An empricist, all truth is based on experience “A wise man proportions their belief to the evidence”
What is Hume’s balance of probability for miracles?
What is more likely, that a miracle occured? or that a witness is either lying or mistaken?
One of these is exceptional whilst the other is very common.
How is testimony important to Hume’s definition of miracle?
Only testimony so strong its falsehood would itself be more miraculous than the alleged miracle would convince him a miracle had taken place
What are Hume’s four reasons against miracles?
No miracle has a sufficient number of educated, trustworthy witnesses
People are prone to look for marvels and wonder, religionists may know miracles are false but still believe it
Sources of miracles are from uneducated, ignorant people
Evidence is contradicted by witnesses from other faiths. Christian miracles prove christianity, but Islam miracles prove the Islam faith.
What does Swinburne talk about in his book “The Concept of Miracle”?
There can be evidence a law of nature has been violated. He accepts Hume’s definition but hanges violation to a non repeatable counter instance. He avoids “violation” as it is too close an analogy to civil/moral laws
What are Swinburne’s three observations to identify a non repeatable counter instance to a law of nature?
If an event occurs contrary to a law of nature, but the event is unlikely to happen again
If we modify the law of nature to account for a miraculous event, the modified law will give false predictions in other cases
If we leave the law unmodified, it will continue to give correct predictions in all other circumstances
What is Swinburne’s principle of credulity?
We should believe things are as they seem to be unless we have evidence to state otherwise
Why does Anthony Flew argue Hume rejects historical evidence?
historical evidence is often appealing to a singular past event that cannot be examined directly anymore
What does Swinburne argue about historical evidence?
Gives only limited support to a claim, whilst we should believe miracles due to the principles of credulity and testimony, whether there is evidence to support the claim is anotehr matter
What does Swinburne say about non-repeatable counter instances being identified as miracles?
It must be caused by a God, if the event was consistent with God’s character and is otherwise explained, it is reasonable to argue God caused the event.
What is Swinburne’s other way of identifying a non repeatable counter instance as a miracle?
if an event that occurs normally with the intention of a human occurs without human beings, it is justifiable to claim God caused it
