Myths, models, and paradigms : a comparative study in science and religion

by Ian G. Barbour

Paperback, 1974

Publication

Imprint: New York : Harper & Row, c1974, 1976 printing. Edition: First Harper & Row paperback edition. Responsibility: Ian G. Barbour. Physical: Text : 1 volume : vii, 198 pages ; 20 cm. Features: Includes bibliography, index.

Call number

Inter / Barbo

Barcode

BK-01798

ISBN

0060603887 / 9780060603885

Collections

Your library, Adult Materials, Philosophy and Science

CSS Library Notes

Description: Scientist and philosophers have more in common than might first appear, especially when the language used in the two disciplines receives a closer scrutiny, Ian G. Barbour treats three scientific view-points that can clarify the specific nature of religious language. The first theme is the diverse function of language. Science and religion each has its own task and its own applicable logic and language. Religious symbols and their expression in myths imply a perspective and interpretation of human history and experience, directing attention to particular patterns in events. The second theme is the role of models in both scientific and religious language. What the "billiard ball model" of a gas and the biblical model of personal God both achieve is an interpretation of experience, a restructuring of how one sees the world. The third area in which science and religion have a common stake is the role of paradigms. Paradigms are standard examples of scientific investigation which embody a set of assumptions and becomes a research tradition until replaced by other assumptions. Religions has its paradigms, like the covenant of Sinai, which have issued in traditions. Dr. Barbour concludes that scientific and religious language bother offer knowledge of reality based on experience. In determining the appropriate data and criteria for this experience the philosopher of religion can profit greatly from the work of the scientist. -- back cover

Table of Contents: 1. Introduction --
2. Symbol and Myth --
3. Models in Science --
4. Models in Religion --
5. Complementary Models --
6. Paradigms in Science --
7. Paradigms in Religion --
8. The Christian Paradigm --
9. Conclusions.

FY1989 / FY2015 /

Physical description

vii, 198 p.; 20 cm

Description

Scientist and philosophers have more in common than might first appear, especially when the language used in the two disciplines receives a closer scrutiny, Ian G. Barbour treats three scientific view-points that can clarify the specific nature of religious language. The first theme is the diverse function of language. Science and religion each has its own task and its own applicable logic and language. Religious symbols and their expression in myths imply a perspective and interpretation of human history and experience, directing attention to particular patterns in events. The second theme is the role of models in both scientific and religious language. What the "billiard ball model" of a gas and the biblical model of personal God both achieve is an interpretation of experience, a restructuring of how one sees the world. The third area in which science and religion have a common stake is the role of paradigms. Paradigms are standard examples of scientific investigation which embody a set of assumptions and becomes a research tradition until replaced by other assumptions. Religions has its paradigms, like the covenant of Sinai, wich have issued in traditions. Dr. Barbour concludes that scientific and religious language bother offer knowledge of reality based on experience. In determining the appropriate data and criteria for this experience the philosopher of religion can profit greet from the work of the scientist. … (more)