science and religion

Question 1

what is a belief system

Answer 1

set of ideas, principles, and attitudes to explain human life/ existence. may provide moral guidlines

Question 2

3 definitions of religion

Answer 2

1. substantive- content
2. functional- functions
3. polythetic- features

Question 3

substantive defintion

Answer 3

concerned with religions content/beliefs eg Weber ‘belief in superior or supernatural power’

Question 4

problems with substantive defintion

Answer 4

• doesnt include NAMs/ ethical religions with no gods (cults)

Question 5

functional defintion

Answer 5

concerned with functions that religion provides eg Yinger- ‘religion is system of beliefs by which people struggle with ultimate problems’

Question 6

problems with functional defintion

Answer 6

• some secular activities could be classed as religion eg football
• too broad

Question 7

polythetic definition

Answer 7

identify several features religions tend to have eg Southwood: contain rituals/practices, sacred texts, concern with god-like beings

Question 8

problems with polythetic defintion

Answer 8

• subjective definition- if have one does it count?
• not measurable

Question 9

giddens definition of religion

Answer 9

“religions involve a set of symbols invoking feelings of reverence or awe and are linked to certain rituals engaged by a community”

Question 10

constructive definition of religion

Answer 10

rather than trying to agree on shared definition of religion- try look at what religion means to an individual

Question 11

Popper

Answer 11

scientific practice means findings can be falsified. scientific evidence doesnt claim to have ultimate truth. only true as long as cannot be proved wrong

Question 12

Merton

Answer 12

scientific research and theory should follow ethos (values of science) to achieve scientific knowledge

Question 13

ethos=CUDOS

Answer 13

• Communism- publicly share discoveries
• Universalism- everyone can do science
• Disinterestedness- scientists work only for benefit of science
• Organised scepticism- acceptance of all scientific work should be conditional on its scientific contribution

Question 14

difference between religion and science?

Answer 14

religion:
- based on faith
- beliefs not supported by evidence
- provide moral guidelines
science:
- based on empirical evidence
- objective
- rational + logical
- explanations constantly tested

Question 15

what happened during/after enlightenment?

Answer 15

scientific ideas and rational thought became increasingly popular, making religion unnecessary

Question 16

how is religion a closed system?

Answer 16

• religion hold a monopoly of truth= they have only correct worldview
• prevents change, traditonal values of religion not flexible

Question 17

Horton

Answer 17

religion, magic, other belief systems are closed as they make claims that cannot be overturned

Question 18

Polyanyi

Answer 18

closed systems will deny legitimacy to rivals and explains its beliefs with further closed claims
- circularity of beliefs: empirical of god isnt needed in same way it is for science, religion based on faith

Question 19

science as an open belief system

Answer 19

• Popper- science become dominant belief system in Western world bc open to being criticised/ challenged
• science built upon falsification
• if a theory is proven wrong another theory replaces it

Question 20

science as a closed belief system

Answer 20

• Kuhn: science as a discipline is closed belief system due to paradigms (accepted way to explaining things)- rarely falsified=closed.
• interpretivism- scientific knowledge is social construct, scientists develop equipment to find what expecting to find, conduct research in artificial env + money directed towards certain projects

Question 21

science and religion not co-existing

Answer 21

Rationalists believe science has allowed us to discover real knowledge about the world and assert that religion has no claim on the truth at all

Question 22

science and religion co-existing

Answer 22

Relativists believe science and religion are separate. science provides knowledge whereas religion has a responsibility for moral guidance. both equally valid

Question 23

science and religion co-existing examples

Answer 23

• biblical explanation of how humans/world came to be (creationism) + evolution= intelligent design. -> evolution occurred but was guided by supreme being/God
• NAMs- astrology- claim position of planets influence personality/mood

Question 24

term: ideology

Answer 24

set of beliefs and values revolving around core principle

Question 25

Mannheim’s 2 definings of ideology

Answer 25

1. set of beliefs to justify/perpetuate existing social order
2. utopian set of beliefs set out how world could be organised in future

Question 26

marxist view on ideologies

Answer 26

• manipulated by ruling class to maintain social class inequality eg poverty=test of faith=heaven
• justify capitalist system + prevent working-class revolution

Question 27

feminist view on ideologies

Answer 27

• promote patriarchy in society
• malestream as defined male position of power by representing women as weak/ impure

Question 28

functionalist view on ideologies

Answer 28

• create value consensus and social solidity
• transmitted through institutions like education