RE: A Serious Question For Theists
June 17, 2014 at 5:16 pm
(This post was last modified: June 17, 2014 at 5:18 pm by GrandizerII.)
(June 17, 2014 at 9:54 am)fr0d0 Wrote:(June 17, 2014 at 6:27 am)Irrational Wrote: I don't agree at all that they're opposites.
From the strict philosophical standpoint, rationalism is the view that all or most truth is deductive and a priori, deriving logically from a set of axioms gained by intuition or inherent knowledge. However, the term is not very often used so strictly, so this form of rationalism is generally known in English-speaking philosophy as continental rationalism, as its original proponents, such as René Descartes, were largely situated in continental Europe.
The term is more commonly used to refer to a synthesis of continental rationalism with its former rival philosophy, empiricism. This looser rationalism holds that empirical observation is more useful than intuition for gaining one's starting axioms, but one can use deductive reasoning from these axioms just as well. The best embodiment of this way of gaining knowledge is the scientific method; hence, rationalists tend to give high regard to science, designating it as the primary or sole proper source of truth.
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Rationalism
I have no problem with that. I think that pretty much describes my own approach. That they are opposite seems to be the prominent view, taken from a quick Google. Perhaps they are talking about strict adherence to either, which I can understand.
Rationalism is a tool that empiricism relies on anyway. They are not rival philosophies or opposites. You think inferences based on observation are not rationalistic in nature as well?
(June 17, 2014 at 2:24 pm)ska88 Wrote:(June 17, 2014 at 6:27 am)Irrational Wrote: Seen and read a lot of Islamic material, especially the stuff related to purported scientific miracles in the Qur'an. Wasn't impressed to be honest.
that's fineyou have a free mind and choice!
unless that means that you need me to give you some advice on what to watch?!
Only if you have confidence that it will make me seriously consider the truth of Islam.