Philosophy of Religion - Hick: Ch. 2 (C)

(Originally written January 16, 2007 in Book 7)

Philosophy of Religion
John Hick
Ch. 2 (continued)

Theism and Probability

Theism is presented as the most probable world-view/metaphysical system by focusing on the probability of the sum of all existence being caused. This stance takes into account man's moral and religious experience.

There are two main theories of probability:
1) Frequency theory
2) Reasonableness of belief theory

Frequency theory cannot be used in theistic probability.

The reasonableness of belief theory states that X is more probable than Y when they are both considered in relation to a common body of evidence.

The problem with any reasonableness of belief theory is that it is highly subjective and if we apply it to the Universe (as the sum of all existence) we have nothing else to judge it against.

One way of avoiding these problems is to use the reasonableness of belief theory as an 'alogical' format. In an 'alogical' format probability we are using common-sense judgment, not mathematical statistics. Thus, 'alogically' the evidence supporting a designed universe is more weighty than a universe randomly caused. This way however begs the question.

The Moral Argument

"The moral argument, in its various forms, claims that ethical experience, an particularly one's sense of an inalienable obligation to fellow human beings, presupposes the reality of God as in some way the source and ground of this obligation" (Hick, 26).

First Form

Basically this form states that moral values are incapable of being explained through naturalistic terms. This form begs the question.

Second Form

Kant argues that immorality and the existence of God are 'postulates' of the moral life. Basically this sets that moral values point to an existence of God. This argument is not a strict proof for the existence of God.

The Argument from Special Events and Experiences

Miracles and answered prayers can be grounds for a belief in the existence of God.

David Hume argues that a person who has not witnessed the miracle has two options for not taking these as grounds for the existence of God:
1) They can disbelieve that they happened
2) They can explain the 'miracle' in natural terms

Parapsychology has expanded the natural interpretations of 'miracles' in three ways:
1) Extrasensory perception (telepathy)
2) An awareness of future of events (precognition)
3) The power of the mind to influence directly the movements of matter beyond the boundaries of one's own body (psychokinesis)

Private mystical experiences can be grounds for belief in God. But private experiences are always open to be doubted by the skeptic.