Lesson 14.2 (Argument to the Best Explanation)
Over the past two weeks we have achieved a deeper understanding of the method of "Argument to the Best Explanation". In short, this is the logical process we all perform throughout everyday without even realizing it. Formally, it is the process used by scientists and historians to explain the causes of given effects. This is a critically important concept to our study as we are performing our historical study, namely the historicity of Jesus' Resurrection.
We could simply approach this by faith alone, and that would be sufficient. But we are interested to understand the historical case that can be made for the event. That case depends on the method of "Multiply Competing Hypotheses", also known as "Argument to the Best Explanation".
Last Thursday night we took a look at an overall "diagram" of our study. (Here's a link to a PDF of the slides and diagram.) The rest of our study will need to broken into sections, beginning with the missing component of "Transmission". We will return to this in a few weeks and understand the nature of oral tradition and it's support for the reliable transmission of the text of the New Testament.
In the meantime, we are going to spend a week or two looking at how historians use mathematical probability to help assess their confidence in the truth of historical claims.
Blessings!
Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Lesson 14.1 (Justifying Historical Descriptions)
Wow!
If you had told me a year ago I would make a statement like "We are trying to understand the historical justification for belief in the resurrection of Jesus through the use of abductive reasoning, Argument to the Best Explanation and probability calculus.", I would have said you were crazy! And yet, here we are! And it's fun! (The link to the handout is included above.)
Last week began to get into the mind of the historian as he looks to justify the validity of historical truth claims. Obviously, we will look to apply our new-found knowledge and understanding to the overall historical reliability of the gospels; but our main goal is the central event of our faith; namely, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. And yet, as we continue to love God with all our MIND, we must admit to ourselves that this endeavor, just like our study in science, will only carry us so far. Once we reach the end of our historical research, there will still be a step of faith required to trust in what God has done in time and space through Jesus and the resurrection. The difference...that step will be much, much smaller; and your ability to tell others why you trust in God can be more engaging.
This Thursday we will continue our study in Argument to the Best Explanation. We will cover the criteria for the method of thought and argumentation in more detail. In addition, we will do some in-class exercises giving you the ability to apply your skills. I believe this will be a great class! Don't miss it!
Blessings,
Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com
Wow!
If you had told me a year ago I would make a statement like "We are trying to understand the historical justification for belief in the resurrection of Jesus through the use of abductive reasoning, Argument to the Best Explanation and probability calculus.", I would have said you were crazy! And yet, here we are! And it's fun! (The link to the handout is included above.)
Last week began to get into the mind of the historian as he looks to justify the validity of historical truth claims. Obviously, we will look to apply our new-found knowledge and understanding to the overall historical reliability of the gospels; but our main goal is the central event of our faith; namely, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. And yet, as we continue to love God with all our MIND, we must admit to ourselves that this endeavor, just like our study in science, will only carry us so far. Once we reach the end of our historical research, there will still be a step of faith required to trust in what God has done in time and space through Jesus and the resurrection. The difference...that step will be much, much smaller; and your ability to tell others why you trust in God can be more engaging.
This Thursday we will continue our study in Argument to the Best Explanation. We will cover the criteria for the method of thought and argumentation in more detail. In addition, we will do some in-class exercises giving you the ability to apply your skills. I believe this will be a great class! Don't miss it!
Blessings,
Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com
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