Scientists as Theologians by John C. Polkinghorne
Scientists as Theologians by John C. Polkinghorne
John Polkinghorne, a Templeton prize winner, is an English theoretical physicist, theologian, and Anglican priest. In theoretical physics, Polkinghorne worked on theories about elementary particles, played a role in the discovery of the quark, and researched the analytic and high-energy properties of Feynman integrals and the foundations of S-matrix theory.
1. What is this?
This book is an introduction to Critical Realism. A group of scientists turned priests write their perspective from the Christian perspective. The second chapter was the most interesting, expanding on critical realism.
2. What does Polkinghorne say?
John says, intelligence requires the adoption of a prior point of view, and he compares Ian Barbour and Peacocke’s views.
3. What is Critical Realism?
Enlightenment-Positivism
- Observation
- Test by empirical observation
- If it doesn’t work, declare it as non-sense
Phenomenological
Focus on Essence of things
- Observation of subjective experience
- Describe how phenomena appear to our consciousness
- Focus on perception
Example: Applying the phenomenological perspective, “I am drinking coffee”:
- How coffee looks to me: brown color, steam rising, light shades in it
- Holding the coffee: my experience of feeling the ceramic
- Taste & texture of the coffee; coffee smell
- Sensations, emotions, memories associated with coffee
Critical Realism
- Observer
- Objective observation
- Challenge by critical reflection
- Critical reflection involves dialogue, conversation
Shorter steps: - Acknowledge independent reality exists
- Find hidden and visible causes
- Refine understanding from critical reflection
Example: Poverty in Society
1. Poverty is a real social reality
2. Poverty is not only lack of money (visible)
3. Poverty is due to lack of access to education (hidden causes), social policy, economic system
So, the critical realist seeks to overcome both positivism and phenomenological ways.
Summary
Great book to get a quick intro about Philosophy of Science, Science & Theology. I would recommend this if you’re interested in Science and Theology.