Epistemology - Are science and religion in conflict Essay

The relationship between science and religion is a difficult one and the two sides have tested each other and debated each other in many forums. Some believe there are major differences in science and religion and that the two can never coexist while others believe that science is in fact evidence that religious views are correct. To better understand and answer the question of whether the two sides really do conflict we will look at: my view on the subject, the definitions of both science and religion, basic arguments of both sides, scientific evolution, differing religions and religious views, the compatible versus incompatible argument, how religion has influenced science and views from the modern day scientist. My views on scientific†¦show more content†¦Religious leaders insist that without faith we do not have anything. Science is defined as: â€Å"the state of knowing: knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding.† (Merriam-Webster, 2012) The conflict between science and religion is clear, it is simply the â€Å"state of knowing† versus the state of unknowing. Many religious scientists, priests and clerics believe in an argument called the first cause argument. This means that there must be an explanation for the beginning of the universe. If we were to pretend that time and existence is a tangible object such as a string we notice that it has a beginning and an end. It is simply impossible that time and our existence stretch back infinitely. This argument claims that something or someone must have â€Å"created† the universe in order to bring us into existence. A beginning was required and God created the universe. Atheists believe creationism to be a myth and debunk the notion that there must be a beginning. They hold tightly to the Darwin theory of evolution providing fossil remains as ironclad proof. These remains suggest that they are different â€Å"earlier† versions of present day animals and people. Many Scientists believe in the theory of evolution but claim that this theory is not the only reason for ruling out reli gion. Religion and the theory of higher existence cannot be proven. It is the fact that GodShow MoreRelatedEpistemology Vs. Theory Of Knowledge870 Words   |  4 PagesEpistemology, technically speaking, covers one third of all philosophical enquiry, and it is the branch most concerned with faith. Epistemology, or the theory of knowledge, is always asking questions like, how do you know that, how do you know anything, what is knowledge, what signifies knowledge as fact as opposed to an opinion? How to you get to fact from opinion? I use epistemological questions to level the playing field across all my work. 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