What can evolved minds know of God? An assessment from the standpoint of evolutionary epistemology

Spurway, N. (2022) What can evolved minds know of God? An assessment from the standpoint of evolutionary epistemology. Zygon, 57(1), pp. 25-45. (doi: 10.1111/zygo.12739)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Humans can only act successfully in the world because many of their mental concepts of that world—for example, three-dimensional space—are objectively valid: hence the approach of evolutionary epistemology (EE). An overall world picture, “Umwelt,” is peculiar to each animal species as their sensory functions differ, but the concept of Cause is widespread and fundamental: it leads humans to an idea of God as Cause of creation. But further certain knowledge of God is impossible, theology must be Apophatic: Pseudo-Dionysius and Wordsworth provide examples. The Apostles’ Creed is considered from the standpoint of EE: its metaphysical claims are meaningless but the human aspects remain wholly acceptable. Fuller theological pictures will be sustainable only on an “as if” basis. Any more positive theological position is increasingly dangerous, and claims of certainty can never be upheld.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Spurway, Professor Neil
Authors: Spurway, N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Zygon
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0591-2385
ISSN (Online):1467-9744
Published Online:05 October 2021

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record