Quote:
Originally Posted by Stillman16
Maybe not knowingly, but:
The Oxford English Dictionary says that scientific method is: "a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses." |
The most telling problem in your use of this particular definition is your failure to highlight the fundamental underpinnings that require the scientific method to investigate NATURAL phenomena. By its very definition, the supernatural or metaphysical that so prominently accompanies theism is precluded from the processes of science. I don't think that this affirms your point at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stillman16
I would argue that no matter how devout the person, religous or atheist, they are constantly presented with evidence that challenges their beliefs, and as such are constantly using the scientific method to re-analyze their position. The evidence may or may not change their position, and may only shift it.
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I would agree with the first clause, but utterly reject the second. No, theists as a rule are not "constantly using the scientific method to re-analyze their position." Quite to the contrary, every theist that I know conforms the evidence presented to her / him to conform to her / his belief in God, and not the other way around. It is simply how theism works.