Philosophy and Science: A Catholic Perspective
Science and Philosophy have a complicated relationship, but both are needed in our search for understanding the universe. It can be proven that they can contradict each other, and it is so. However, they also complement each other. In this essay, I will touch upon a few examples. The first one is how science contradicts philosophy, the second being how philosophy contradicts science, and the third is how our Faith can be deepened by both.
Science can contradict philosophy simply by existing in the same world. As an example, many years ago before modern science, philosophers would make claims about the way in which the planets worked through the eyes of their time. Later, science disproved their philosophy, simply by astronomers providing proof that this philosophy was false. Which brings us to an interesting idea, that there are both philosophical standpoints that can be proven false, and some which cannot be. This complicated relationship, in which science and philosophy must be meticulously rationalized in their own fields, and perceived as such, is nicely summed up in this passage: “…. what, for instance, constitutes reason; what the limits of knowledge are; what questions ought to be asked; which methods of inquiry should be presumed to reflect reality and which should be regarded only as useful fictions.” (Theological Territories, Where the consonance really lies).
As for philosophy contradicting science, it may in fact may seem more like a philosophical argument than a firm standpoint based in concrete evidence, though I can assure you, much of this is concrete. For if it wasn’t, why would philosophy still exist? A good point for the philosophical standpoint against science, is that, our minds must believe in scientific inquiry; in looking for answers. In our search for the unknown, we have faith that the universe is created within reason, and at its least, reason with which we can grasp. Pure scientism therefore contradicts and disproves itself when it claims that scientism is the only necessary tool for understanding the world. That is something that is made up in the mind!
As for Christians and especially Catholics, we believe that science can further our relationship with Christ. In finding out more about His creation, we are continually in awe of His work and how His hand is revealed in even the tiniest of details. Therefore, for these scientists, science and philosophy or theology do not clash in the least.
This is something that is hard to grasp; this relationship. However, I have noticed that it’s much easier from a Catholic standpoint, for we deeply believe in our Faith and theology, as well as scientific studies. Thus, philosophy and science can intertwine in a beautiful manner to create a deeper understanding of the world which God created.
Works Cited
Citation machine® - write smarter. Citation Machine, a Chegg service. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://www.citationmachine.net/
Where the consonance really lies. (2020). Theological Territories, 123–137. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv19m638q.12