Consider the following deductive argument, consisting of three premises (1-3) and a single conclusion (4).
[1] The explanans for any given explanandum is either natural or supernatural,
[2] Persistence, i.e., the fact that natural things continue to exist, is an explanandum,
[3] There can be no natural explanans for the continued existence of natural things,
[4] Therefore, there must be a supernatural explanans for the persistence of natural things.
This argument is logically valid in the sense that the conclusion (4) follows logically from the three premises. Let us perform a quick evaluation of the plausibility of each of its premises to see whether the argument might be sound as well. Now, premise (1) seems to me indisputable. For even if all explanations would be natural, it would still be true that any explanation is either natural or supernatural. The second premise is perhaps a bit more controversial. Is the continued existence of natural things indeed an explanandum? Is it adequate to ask why natural things continue to exist, or, in other words, is it cogent to ask for that by virtue of which natural things persist in their existence? The third premise seems quite obvious. Surely, if the continued existence of natural things is an explanandum, then its explanans cannot be natural since naturalistic scientific explanations presuppose the continued existence of natural things (in the absense of any natural disintegrating factor). I take it that this argument has force in case premise (2) is sufficiently supported. It has even some force to support theism if we accept Richard Swinburne's dictum that explanations are either scientific or personal. For in that case supernatural explanations, which cannot be scientific, must be personal.
zaterdag 1 oktober 2011
A Swift Argument for Supernaturalism?
Labels:
explanandum,
explanans,
natural,
persistence,
personal,
scientific,
supernatural
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Very interesting and clever argument. I am worried that "explanandum" is ambiguous between something that has an explanation and something that it is appropriate to search for an explanation of. In the first sense, perhaps the naturalist won't grant 2. But if you mean it in the second sense, you need a premise that there is an explanans for this explanandum.
I also think the naturalist can deny 2. She can say--and it doesn't even sound so implausible to say it--that objects cause the continuation of their existence.
Dear Alexander,
Thank you for your interest in my argument. I agree with you that the second premise will be the most difficult to defend. Your remark on there being at least two possible interpretations of the term 'explanandum' is insightful. I'm not sure though whether one could hold that objects cause their continued existence. For, what kind of disposition of objects could ensure that objects persist?
Regards,
Emanuel
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