The aim of this paper is to show that there is no significant difference between knowledge and understanding in science and religion, since the epistemic approach in both these fields is idealistic. After presenting the meaning of the term ‘real’, the idealistic approach of Kant, Fichte and Schelling will be adduced and its relevance for the contemporary science will be demonstrated. Subsequently the term ‘scientific realism’ will be introduced together with some ideas proving that it should be considered as idealism sui generis.
Then some examples from the history of science will be given proving that many discoveries were preceded by an a priori idea. In the last part of the paper the human I will be depicted as the predominant ‘space’ of the religious experience. Since a human can discover God within him/herself, s/he is also able to discover God in and within the exterior world. Since, both in science and religion, knowledge and understanding originates from the I, there is no significant difference between scientific and religious approach.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- What is real?
- The idealistic turn and approach of Kant, Fichte and Schelling
- Kant's way from things to representations
- Fichte's way from I to the Absolute I
- Schelling's way from idealism to realism and back
- The significance of German idealism for science
- Kantian approach
- Ad a) (H) The total number of astronomical phenomena
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that there is no substantial difference between knowledge and understanding in science and religion, due to the idealistic epistemic approach employed in both fields. It aims to demonstrate the relevance of the idealistic approach of Kant, Fichte, and Schelling for contemporary science. Additionally, the paper explores the concept of 'scientific realism' as a form of idealism.
- Epistemology in science and religion
- Idealism vs. Realism
- The role of the subject in knowledge
- The impact of German idealism on science
- The human "I" as the space of religious experience
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- What is real?: This section introduces the core concept of reality and its relation to the notion of realism. The author explains the realist view as one that considers reality as independent of the subject's perception, while acknowledging that complete independence would preclude the possibility of knowledge.
- The idealistic turn and approach of Kant, Fichte and Schelling: This section delves into the idealistic philosophy of Kant, Fichte, and Schelling. It outlines Kant's shift in focus from "things in themselves" to the subject's categories of understanding. The section further examines Fichte's development of the "I" as the primary source of knowledge and its relation to the "non-I," culminating in the concept of the Absolute I. Lastly, it discusses Schelling's convergence of idealism and realism through his "Realgrund" (the Unconditioned), which connects the subject's perceptions to a reality beyond the individual "I."
- The significance of German idealism for science: This section explores the implications of the discussed idealistic philosophies for the understanding of science. It emphasizes the importance of scientific 'categories' embedded in human epistemic categories, as exemplified by Kant's philosophy. The section also highlights the application of Kantian epistemology to various astronomical phenomena by W. I. McLaughlin, showcasing how the number of observable phenomena relates to human categories of understanding.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper primarily focuses on the concepts of epistemology, realism, German idealism, scientific realism as idealism, and religious experience. It explores the intersection of these themes within the context of knowledge and understanding in science and religion, analyzing the role of the human "I" and its relationship to the exterior world.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Thomas Klibengajtis (Author), 2008, Knowing God, the world and ourselves. What can the science-theology dialog learn from the German idealism today?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/190863
