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Philosophy Of Religion > Miracles > Flashcards

Miracles Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the THREE definitions of ‘Miracle’

A

1- An event that has religious significance
2- An event caused by God (Paul Tillich says this fits smoothly into pre-rationalist understanding of the world- must be astonishing but also point to the ‘mystery of being’)
3- An event that violates the laws of nature caused by God

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2
Q

What does Aquinas say about miracle (quote)

A

“beyond the order commonly observed in nature

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3
Q

What are the roles of miracles within religion (3 reasons)

A

1- Signs to demonstrate God’s underlying activity in the world
2- Support the development of religious faith
3- Highlight Revelation through scripture

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4
Q

What do we mean by ‘defining miracles out of existence’

A

Law of nature can’t be violated, if a law is broken it ceases to exist.

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5
Q

What does Hick say about miracles (quote)

A

‘In order to be miraculous, an event must be experienced as religiously significant’

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6
Q

What does Wittgenstein say about miracles (quote)

A

“A miracle is, as it were, as gesture that God makes”

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7
Q

What is Swinburne’s definition of a miracle (quote)

A

“A transgression of a law of nature by a particular violation of the Deity”

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8
Q

What does Swinburne say about miracles

A

‘Generality’ of a law is NOT absolute (only describes what happens in terms of regularity & predictability) they are a ONE OFF

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9
Q

What is Flew’s argument against miracles (4 points)

A

1- Miracles are, by nature, PARTICULAR & UNREPEATABLE
2-Natural events are, by nature, GENERAL & REPEATABLE
3- Evidence for general and repeatable is ALWAYS greater than particular and unrepeatable
4- Evidence will always be greater against than for miraceles

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10
Q

What does Kant say about miracles

A
  • Miracles occur: Daily, Seldom, Never
  • Can’t be daily (occurs regularly) or seldom (not determined by any law)
  • Rational to infer miracles NEVER occur
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11
Q

What is Holland’s analogy

A

THE BOY AND TRAIN

  • Mother sees train stop feet away from son, helpless, she views event as miracle
  • Didnt know that, unrelated to boy being on track, driver faints onto brake
  • Shows that events hold personal significance ONLY and are NOT miracles
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12
Q

Why does Hume say one can doubt the PRINCIPLE OF TESTIMONY

A
  • Character of witness
  • Manner of delivery
  • Doubtful character
  • Any contradictions
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13
Q

What section does Hume talk about miracles & what is the title

A

Section X “Of Miracles”

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14
Q

What does a wise man proportion his beliefs to (HUME)

A

Evidence

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15
Q

How does Hume describe a miracle (quote)

A

“A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature”

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16
Q

What does Hume say about testimony of man regarding miracles (quote)

A

“No testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle”

17
Q

What is Hume’s conclusion about miracles (quote)

A

“I weigh the one miracle against the other; and according to the superiority, which I discover, I pronounce my decision and ALWAYS reject the greater miracle”

18
Q

Say and briefly explain or challenge the four reasons to support that NO miracle has ever occured

A

1- Never been attested by a sufficient number of intelligent men (HOW many men does it take?)
2- Desire to believe in miracles (Religious person believes as it may add to their faith- “Their credulity (belief without sufficient evidence) encreases his impudence (offensively bold): and his impudence overpowers their credulity”- pleasure to tell a piece of news)
3- Come from ignorant people (Need to view world in post-enlightened way)
4- No testimony that is not opposed by infinite number of witnesses (ALL religions can NOT be true)

19
Q

Who says we need to weigh up the probability when assessing miracles

A

Hume

20
Q

What is Hume’s quote about sparks

A

“The smallest spark may here kindle into the greater flame; because the materials are always prepared for it”

21
Q

Do miracles justify religion (give example of Eliz I)

A

NO- Part II of Section X HUME

- if Eliz I died and rose again in three days, one would assume she had NOT died in the first place

Philosophy Of Religion (6 decks)

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