Paul Nelson on Freeing Minds Trapped in a Framework of Naturalism
How often do we get to have a respectful conversation with someone who disagrees with us? On this ID the Future out of the archive, philosopher of biology Paul Nelson continues sharing with host Andrew McDiarmid about pursuing intelligent design theory in a science culture committed to naturalism. “In the bouncing of opinions off each other and the exchange of views,” says Nelson, “truth should emerge.”
But how do you communicate with scientists and thinkers trapped in a framework of naturalism, in a “naturalistic parabola,” as Nelson puts it? That parabola sets the rule and defines the boundaries for science: naturalistic answers only. And it extends to infinity, so no finite number of objections or counter-examples can force naturalistic scientists out of it. Nelson, however, offers an alternative strategy for drawing them out of the parabola and into a more rewarding dialogue in the quest for truth.
Dig Deeper
- Enjoy a selection of Dr. Nelson’s recent articles at EvolutionNews.org.
- Listen: Paul Nelson discusses orphan genes and how they spell trouble for neo-Darwinism: