Additional Discussion Questions: Chapter 6
Science and Scientific Naturalism
These questions refer to Chapter 6 of Robert A. Harris, The Integration of Faith and Learning (Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2004). Numbers in parentheses refer to page numbers in the book. In addition to the “Questions for Thought and Discussion” at the end of the chapter, use these questions for additional discussion.
1. How did Christianity influence the rise of science? (98-99) What does that imply about the built-in harmony between science and Christianity?
2. Distinguish between science and scientism. (99-100)
3. What caused the rise of scientism? (99-100)
4. What are some of the factors that brought scientism under challenge? (100-103)
5. Define scientific naturalism in your own words. Which areas of knowledge does scientific naturalism include and which does it exclude? (109-110)
6. In what ways is naturalism limited in its ability to explain reality? (111-114)
7. Why is it crucial for materialists to insist that their philosophy is closely connected to science and reason? (114-118)
8. How would you respond to someone who claims that the controversy over evolution is one of “science versus religion”? (119-121)
9. Explain the problem of confusing fact and interpretation and offer some ideas for avoiding the confusion. (121-125)
10. What is the most important meaning or significant point you have gleaned from the Archaeoraptor story? (125-128)