The Evolution of Religious Belief and Naturalism: Agency, Character and Adaptation in Christian Belief
by
 
Reynolds, M.F., author.

Title
The Evolution of Religious Belief and Naturalism: Agency, Character and Adaptation in Christian Belief

Author
Reynolds, M.F., author.

ISBN
9780438044500

Personal Author
Reynolds, M.F., author.

Physical Description
1 electronic resource (80 pages)

General Note
Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 57-06M(E).
 
Advisors: Eric Reitan Committee members: James Cain; Doren Recker.

Abstract
In this project, I defend Alvin Plantinga's evolutionary argument against naturalism from Blake Roeber's use of the inscrutability argument. I argue that Roeber's criticism does not account for all species of religious practice. The primary subject is in reference to a criticism against religious beliefs which says that religious belief is little more than successful social or evolutionary adaptation in believing agents, here after referred to as the Genetic Criticism of Religion. I argue that a successful reply to his criticism shows that there are actually two modes of religious belief, which can be distinguished at least in part, by the motivation of the believing agent. Each mode has distinct implications for the reliability of human faculties. One way in which we might understand this distinction is through an account of motivation proper to the proper function of the believing agent. I conclude by arguing that Roeber's inscrutability argument is only successful with respect to one mode but not the other.

Local Note
School code: 0664

Subject Term
Epistemology.
 
Philosophy of Religion.
 
Philosophy of science.
 
Philosophy.
 
Religion.

Added Corporate Author
Oklahoma State University. Philosophy.

Electronic Access
http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqm&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:10608341


Shelf NumberItem BarcodeShelf LocationShelf LocationHolding Information
XX(687963.1)687963-1001Proquest E-Thesis CollectionProquest E-Thesis Collection