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Is science the only way to know truth?
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Aesthetics [See this artist’s paintings at Daniel Cozens - artist ]
Is this a beautiful picture?
Can science answer this question? No
An art critic could tell us about the qualities of the composition, the use of light, etc. We tend to accept this analysis, even though it doesn’t meet scientific criteria, though we realise that some people have style preferences (traditional, abstract, etc.).
People have come to recognise good literature, art, etc. without needing a scientific analysis. We accept these valuations as true within their own terms of reference.
Personal experience (‘connaître’ knowledge)
This photo was taken on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route in 2005
You could verify the place (Grañon) by asking others who have walked the route but … you can only find out about the specific experiences by asking the person who walked it – that is: me!
The journal at the bottom of the photo includes observations and memories that are personal and can only be revealed to you, but they are still true / real.
The video clip below explores the limits of science, explaining why we need to make use of complementary sources of truth:
The limits of science
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I have specifically omitted here the evidence that relates directly to faith because I will consider this in the section on Jesus, looking at the evidence for the most remarkable event of all: his resurrection from the dead.
Use the email address below to give feedback / ask questions to the author, whose views these pages reflect
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Six Big Questions Rev John Hibberd sixbigquestions@throughfaithmissions.org
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