Atheism a requirement?
Wikipedia defines the supernatural as pertaining to an order of existence beyond the scientifically visible universe. The supernatural manifests itself as a belief and faith of the intervention in the natural course of nature, suggesting the existence of a consciousness, purposefully doing the intervening.
Wikipedia defines the supernatural as pertaining to an order of existence beyond the scientifically visible universe. The supernatural manifests itself as a belief and faith of the intervention in the natural course of nature, suggesting the existence of a consciousness, purposefully doing the intervening.
Science requires objectivism, which advocates reason, logic and proof as the sole means of knowledge. If one were to claim belief or faith in supernatural orders or sentinent beings (eg Gods), then it requires a wilful rejection of those objective principles in favour of what is arguably a flight of fancy or whim.
So, is atheism required to scientifically research phenomena attributed to the supernatural?
I’d try and avoid any such
I’d try and avoid any such preconceptions when indulging in this study. However, as many great scientific minds have pointed out, Science does not preclude the existance of God.
Summum Nec Metuam Diem Nec Optima
This is a good question
This is a good question Neil. It all hinges I suppose on how deeply you believe and whether you would let this belief influence your activities.
Re: Atheism a requirement?
I think an open mind is needed above all else, not so much a disbelief in the realm of the spiritual.
Re: Atheism a requirement?
I would agree with Andrasta… you need to be open minded, that’s all. Since many scientists are staunch believers in God, I don’t think atheism is a necessity to conduct studies on the paranormal.
Re: Atheism a requirement?
I have found on another site that many view it in the opposite way; that you cannot talk about the paranormal without talking about religion/Christianity/God.