I’m helping out at CrossExamined Instructor Academy this weekend, and Frank Turek played this great two-minute clip from a discussion between William Lane Craig and Peter Atkins, wherein Craig lists five rational beliefs that can’t be scientifically proven:
- Logical and mathematical truths – science presupposes logic and math.
- Metaphysical truths – e.g., the idea that the external world is real.
- Ethical truths – e.g., you can't prove by science that the Nazis were wrong to experiment on Jews.
- Aesthetic truths – beauty can’t be scientifically proven.
- Science itself – science can’t be justified by the scientific method.
Amy, how long ago was this discussion. I remember Peter Atkins, and had to do a double take for WLC (quite young and distinguished!).
And the moderator? I couldn't determine from the glimpse, but ...
what a blast from the past!
Posted by: DGFischer | August 20, 2016 at 05:00 AM
Hi Amy,
Great post--it was good to see the debate between WLC & Atkins getting more traction-it is a classic. I had posted a similar article on my site last year-"Can Science Account for Everything?-some say yes, but the answer is...," which also highlighted this clip. (http://existenceofgod.org/can-science-account-for-everything-some-say-yes-but-the-answer-is/) I also posted the entire transcript of the clip for those who are interested. I made WLC's comments part of my memory work as they are great to have on hand when conversing with devotees of atheism, scientism, etc. Blessings, Lane
Posted by: Lane | August 20, 2016 at 06:20 AM
DGFischer, it looks like it was in 1998. You can see the transcript and more info here.
Posted by: Amy | August 22, 2016 at 12:50 PM