Wonder and understanding

Zygon 20 (4):391-400 (1985)
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Abstract

Wonder is a root of the religious experience, and the desire to understand drives science. If wonder and understanding are fundamentally opposed, religion and science will be also. But only if wonder is limited to the contemplation of magic or mysteries is religion in principle opposed to science. The aim of science is to explain how something is possible. Understanding how something is possible need not destroy our wonder at it. Recent scientific theories of the human mind—albeit based in computer technology—increase our wonder at its richness and power.

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Citations of this work

Machines, brains, and persons.Donald M. MacKay - 1985 - Zygon 20 (December):401-412.

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References found in this work

Artificial Intelligence and Natural Man.Martin Atkinson - 1979 - Philosophical Quarterly 29 (116):278.
Artificial Intelligence and Natural Man.Margaret A. Boden - 1979 - Philosophy 54 (207):130-132.

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