Philosophy of Science

Question 1

What is Naturalism?

Answer 1

This is the scientific worldview that only acknowledge hypothesis or theories that can be explained using natural explanations.

They reject any explanations that require divine intervention to understand the functioning of the universe throughout history

Question 2

What does naturalism reject?

Answer 2

They reject any explanations that require divine intervention to understand the functioning of the universe throughout history

Question 3

What is a paradigm?

Answer 3

A framework of ideas, beliefs and values through which our community or an individual interprets the world and interacts with it.

Question 4

What are some metaphysical assumptions of science?

Answer 4

1. The material world exists
2. The universe is orderly and logical.
3. Our senses provide reliable information from the world.
4. Our minds allow us to understand at least some aspects of reality.

Question 5

What is the biblical worldview that provides the metaphysical assumptions necessary to do science?

Answer 5

1. The material world exists(Genesis 1:1 - in the beginning God created the heavens and the EARTH)
2. The universe is orderly and logical (1 Corinthians 14:33- For God is not the author of disorder)
3. Our senses provide reliable information from the world. (Jesus resurrecting and telling the disciples to feel and see that he is alive)
4. Our mind allows us to understand at least some reality.
   . Created in the image of God

Question 6

Name some ways that the universe exhibits order and design.

Answer 6

1. We can tell time from the way that the planets orbit the sun.
2. The moon is the right size and orbit to maintain the 28.3 degree tilt of the earth.
3. The earth has ozone and an atmosphere that allows the life on earth.
4. The earth is in the Goldilock zone which allows for liquid water.

Question 7

How did the Christian worldview fuel early astronomer’s discoveries?

Answer 7

The bible was used to verify their scientific views and was a reliable source on which their beliefs were based.

Question 8

How do these early astronomers’ perspectives on faith and science differ from common views today?

Answer 8

Modern scientists believe that religion and science cannot be mixed.

Question 9

How would science be different if the universe did not function according to consistent laws?

Answer 9

It is common belief that stars form by the collapsing of gases in on itself so as a gas collapses on itself it becomes hotter and expands.

This contradicts Boyle’s law (pressure exerted on a gas will cause the volume to decrease). Stars do not form by itself and they don’t become planets because of this.

Question 10

Evolution (Complex definition)

Answer 10

Biological changes that turn one kind of living thing into another, different kind of living thing over time. This occurred without direction after life emerged from non-living materials.

Question 11

Microevolution

Answer 11

Small changes that occur over time within populations of living creatures

Question 12

Macroevolution

Answer 12

Describes a process of much greater change, but change in nature is limited

Question 13

Evolution (Simple and specific)

Answer 13

Change in the genetic make up of a specific population of living things.

Change of gene frequency in a population over time.

Question 14

How does gene frequency change?

Answer 14

1. More offspring are born than can survive
2. Variation exists among the offspring
3. Some variations are advantageous allowing survival and reproduction
4. Over time those traits become more common in a population.