Natural Theology, Evidence, and Epistemic Humility
European Journal for Philosophy of Religion 9 (2):19-42 (2017)
Abstract
One not infrequently hears rumors that the robust practice of natural theology reeks of epistemic pride. Paul Moser’s is a paradigm of such contempt. In this paper we defend the robust practice of natural theology from the charge of epistemic pride. In taking an essentially Thomistic approach, we argue that the evidence of natural theology should be understood as a species of God’s general self-revelation. Thus, an honest assessment of that evidence need not be prideful, but can be an act of epistemic humility, receiving what God has offered, answering God’s call. Lastly, we provide criticisms of Moser’s alternative approach, advancing a variety of philosophical and theological problems against his conception of personifying evidence.Author Profiles
DOI
10.24204/ejpr.v9i2.1924
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Citations of this work
Is Traditional Natural Theology Cognitively Presumptuous.Paul K. Moser & Clinton Neptune - 2017 - European Journal for Philosophy of Religion 9 (2):213-222.
References found in this work
Why open-minded people should endorse dogmatism.Chris Tucker - 2010 - Philosophical Perspectives 24 (1):529-545.
Evidentialism: Essays in Epistemology.Earl Conee & Richard Feldman - 2006 - Philosophical Quarterly 56 (222):147-149.
God and Other Minds: A Study of the Rational Justification of Belief in God.Alvin Plantinga - 1967 - Ithaca: Cornell University Press.