Knowledge And Truth: A Christian Worldview Summary

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Knowledge and Truth: A Christian Worldview Liberty University Summary Though imperfect and not the only source of knowledge, the scientific method can be a reliable way to seek knowledge when researchers follow the seven steps (Jackson, 2009). The steps in the scientific method are identifying the problem, reviewing the literature, generating a hypothesis, designing and conducting a study, analyzing the data, interpreting the results, and communicating the results. The scientific method can be used for seeking knowledge and truth by combining logical reasoning and empirical methods to arrive at a theory (Jackson, 2009). Superstition, intuition, authority, tenacity, rationalism, and empiricism are other sources for seeking knowledge…show more content…
Similarly, information that is heard repeatedly is sometimes believed to be truth. Knowledge gained by tenacity is things that people consider to be the truth regardless of compelling evidence to the contrary (Jackson, 2009). Rational knowledge is gained when people use logical reasoning to arrive at truth (Jackson, 2009). Logically sound ideas are applied in a precise manner, but ideas that are logically sound are not necessarily accurate. Rational knowledge is often derived from syllogisms. Unless both the major and minor premises of syllogisms are sound, the logical conclusions drawn from the rational thoughts are unsound. Scientists cannot rely on rational knowledge alone because rational knowledge involved only form and not content (Jackson, 2009). Empirical knowledge is gained through objective observations and a person’s experience in relation to his or her senses (Jackson, 2009). A person who relies on empirical knowledge only believes what can be detected by his/her senses (sight, sound, taste, etc.). In order for empirical knowledge to have real meaning, it must be combined with rationalism. Rational reasoning and empirical methods together are the basis for the scientific method (Jackson, 2009). The Scientific…show more content…
When conducted honestly and thoroughly, the scientific method can and has provided valuable information about the world and the world’s people (Jackson, 2009). Though some people rely on other methods for gaining knowledge, scientists only accept knowledge gained through science to arrive at plausible truths (Jackson, 2009). Due in part to human error and the tendency of human nature to succumb to temptations to bias research, the results of the scientific method should be viewed with skepticism (Garzon, n.d.). The scientific method of seeking knowledge and finding truth must stay within the limits of scientific ability and allow for human fragility in order to be effective (Slick, 2012). References Garzon, F. (n.d.). The scientific method and pure science. [Video Presentation]. Liberty University. Retrieved from http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1843944_. Jackson, S. (2009). Research methods and statistics: A critical thinking approach (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Slick, M. (2012). Is the scientific method a philosophy?. Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. Retrieved from
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