Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

John Carter had a profound role in shaping the thinking of generations of students and scholars in our understanding of the relationship of Christian beliefs and modern psychol- ogy. That Carter and Narramore’s (1979) volume remains in print and in use after more than four decades is a testimony to that influence. Here, I briefly explore the ways of knowing in general and elaborate on scientific knowing as a unique and powerful approach to appre- hending what our senses and instruments reveal. Scientific knowing is premised on several essential assumptions, employs a time-tested array of strategies to systematically gath- er data, and interprets the data in light of prior knowledge. Assumptions—trust, belief, or faith—undergird this whole process. The creed of science includes several essential beliefs (or faith statements): the world exists and can be known, it is orderly and predictable, and scientific methods are adequate to gain that knowledge. These and several other assump- tions undergird the scientific process. Scientific methods guide the discovery of order and predictability. Once gathered, data becomes history. Interpretation follows. The result is that science weds worldviews with history and crystal ball-gazing. Rather than being anti- thetic to science, assumptions—trust, belief, and faith—are essential components.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS