Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / The purpose or the dissertation is to compare the epistemology and theodicy or Edward John Carnell with that or Edgar Sheffield Brightman in order to draw out philosophic conructs between the two philosophers. Their basic epistemological conflict concerns philosophic starting point. For Brightman, epistemological starting points other than the diversified unity or present consciousness (datum self, shining present) are either limiting abstractions or inferences (reliable and unreliable) from this datum self. For Brightman the datum self (with its experiences immediately given) is undeniable tact. Since the truth or claims is not directly given, claims must be tested. However, insisting that starting point dominates method, conclusion, and criterion or truth, Carnell rates one area or experience (namely, "internal ertable experience," innate norms, or Augustine's "eternal concepts") as well as a truth-claim (namely, the Bible as infallible) as having superior epistemological value [TRUNCATED]. / 2031-01-01