The objective of this dissertation involves the application of the philosophy of Karl Popper to Christian systematic theology. Its intent is three-fold: first, to give reasons for considering the possibility of such an application in the face of potential objections; second, throughout its discussion, to demonstrate the form that a theological appropriation of Popper might take; and, third, to argue that several benefits arise from such a critical grafting of Popper into dogmatics (where appropriate). The possibility of applying Popper to theology is secured by taking realism as the proper parallel between science and theology and critical rationalism as a realist model amenable to metaphysical theorisation. The actuality and benefit of such an appropriation from within theology is demonstrated by the four-fold exposition of how a Popperian critical epistemology – in particular his solution to the ‘problem of induction’, his relating of good and better theories with the concept of approximation to the truth, his critical strategies for establishing preference, and his notion of ideas as objective – can assist the Christian systematic theologian as he works to resolve the problems of theology for the benefit of the Church and to the glory of God.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:445135 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Elliott, Benjamin C. |
| Publisher | University of Aberdeen |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=185763 |
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