Science and the modern worldWhitehead, Alfred North
Religion
Science and the modern world
Whitehead, Alfred North
Science
In this argument the point to notice is, that what is metaphysically
indeterminate has nevertheless to be categorically determinate. We have
come to the limit of rationality. For there is a categorical limitation
which does not spring from any metaphysical reason. There is a
metaphysical need for a principle of determination, but there can be no
metaphysical reason for what is determined. If there were such a reason,
there would be no need for any further principle: for metaphysics would
already have provided the determination. The general principle of
empiricism depends upon the doctrine that there is a principle of
concretion which is not discoverable by abstract reason. What further
can be known about God must be sought in the region of particular
experiences, and therefore rests on an empirical basis. In respect to
the interpretation of these experiences, mankind have differed
profoundly. He has been named respectively, Jehovah, Allah, Brahma,
Father in Heaven, Order of Heaven, First Cause, Supreme Being, Chance.
Each name corresponds to a system of thought derived from the
experiences of those who have used it.
Among medieval and modern philosophers, anxious to establish the
religious significance of God, an unfortunate habit has prevailed of
paying to Him metaphysical compliments. He has been conceived as the
foundation of the metaphysical situation with its ultimate activity. If
this conception be adhered to, there can be no alternative except to
discern in Him the origin of all evil as well as of all good. He is then
the supreme author of the play, and to Him must therefore be ascribed
its shortcomings as well as its success. If He be conceived as the
supreme ground for limitation, it stands in His very nature to divide
the Good from the Evil, and to establish Reason ‘within her dominions
supreme.’
CHAPTER XII
RELIGION AND SCIENCE
The difficulty in approaching the question of the relations between
Religion and Science is, that its elucidation requires that we have in
our minds some clear idea of what we mean by either of the terms,
‘religion’ and ‘science.’ Also I wish to speak in the most general way
possible, and to keep in the background any comparison of particular
creeds, scientific or religious. We have got to understand the type of
connection which exists between the two spheres, and then to draw some
definite conclusions respecting the existing situation which at present
confronts the world.
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