Abstracts English Part 1 Science, Religion, and Naturalism 1.1 Science as a System Science is a system with several components which are loosely connected by the concept of systematicity. There is no universal method for all sciences. Natural theology does not employ supernatural resources. Revealed theology, however, extends natural theology in using specific T-theoretical terms. 1.2 Religion and Atheism as Systems In analogy to the sciences, religion can be regarded as a system with several components. Religious systems vary from each other in their goals and their doctrines. Atheism asserts that no religious system is true. This book argues that the Christian doctrine is probably true and that it explains empirical evidence better than atheism. 1.3 Methodological versus Metaphysical Naturalism Methodological naturalism is the fundamental guide line of the sciences (natural theology included): The world should be examined as if God does not exist. Metaphysical naturalism transcends this methodological rule by resolutely claiming that the supernatural does not exist. Part 2 Logical Arguments 2.1 Why Proofs for the Existence of God The purpose of proofs for the existence of God is discussed. In the 20th century, such proofs returned in much more elaborate versions than in the Middle Ages. They employ resources from modern logic and mathematics, and the arguments are empirically substantiated. 2.2 About the Life and Work of Gödel Gödel’s logical proof for the existence of God is not an isolated topic in his research projects. During all his life, he was concerned with questions about faith. Moreover, his general philosophy (influenced by Leibniz) and even his specific philosophy of mathematics motivated Gödel to tackle a proof for the existence of God. 2.3 The Modal Ontological Proof of Gödel Gödel proves the formal consistency of the traditional concept of God, understood as the perfect being. Thereby it is not proved, however, that the contentual perfections of God (for instance omnipotence and perfect love) build a consistent set as well. The latter task cannot be met without empirical methods. Part 3 Empirical Arguments: Global Structure 3.1 Global Structure of the Empirical Argument of Swinburne Swinburne’s empirical proof for the existence of God has three premises which are discussed in this chapter. Methodologically, Swinburne works in a probabilistic framework, and he stresses the importance of cumulative evidence. 3.2 Theory of Epistemic Authority To base oneself on an authority is generally a bad argument. Nevertheless, a distinction should be drawn between qualified and unqualified authorities. Being aware of this, Bocheński developed a theory of epistemic authority. Swinburne’s principles of testimony and of credulity can be embedded in Bocheński’s theory. 3.3 Features of Probability Theory To facilitate later discussions, some concepts of probability theory are introduced: Bayes’ Formula (including prior probabilities and likelihood ratios) as well as the distinction between the statistical and the epistemic interpretation of probability. 3.4 Measure Function for Independent Evidence It is proposed to choose the Log-Likelihood-Ratio as an adequate measure function for independent evidence. In the following chapters, this measure function is applied to the hypothesis that God exists. Part 4 Empirical Arguments: Fields of Evidence 4.1 Existence and Structure of the Universe Why is there a universe, and why does it have the very structure it actually has? First it is shown that these are not pseudo-questions, and that there cannot be a physical answer to them. Then it is argued that the monotheistic hypothesis is a better explanation than three naturalistic rival hypotheses. 4.2 Fine-Tuning of the Universe for Life It is shown that the fine-tuning of the universe for life is not a pseudo-problem but a set of real phenomena in need of explanation. The monotheistic hypothesis can explain these phenomena better than two naturalistic rivals (the hypothesis of the universe as brute fact and the multiverse-hypothesis). 4.3 Existence of Science Christian doctrine and science are almost devoid of conflicts. Even more, Christianity funded and inspired the development of modern science. On the other side, naturalism is in deep conflict with science, especially with biological evolution theory. 4.4 Existence of Mathematics It is argued for the platonist (id est realist) interpretation of mathematics, following classical considerations of Frege as well as the indispensability argument of Quine and Putnam. The main rival, fictionalism, is clearly refuted. 4.5 Existence of Moral At first, the required ethical and meta-ethical concepts and arguments are presented. Good reasons can be given for the realistic view of ethics. And within the framework of realistic systems of ethics, the non-naturalistic approaches outperform the naturalistic approaches. But non-naturalistic systems of ethics do not lead directly to monotheism: There exist non-theistic versions of non-naturalism as well, which are used by naturalistic philosophers to avoid monotheism in ethics. Then two arguments are discussed which show that monotheism is more suitable than the word-view of naturalism to explain moral facts and moral beliefs. This can be demonstrated especially in the argument from human dignity. 4.6 The Problem of Evil The combined theodicy of Free Will, Soul-Building and Perfect Happiness is able to justify that God permits the existence of evil. Naturalism is in charge as well to provide a coherent account for both physical and moral questions. Part 5 Pragmatic Arguments 5.1 Main Idea and Mathematical Tools The pragmatic argument does not treat the truth of sentences, but the practical rationality of behavior and schemes of life. Most important is the question if we should orientate ourselves towards an eternal life after death. The required mathematical tools include decision theory and non-archimedean values of the utility function. 5.2 Pascal’s Wager Pascal’s Wager has three premises. Two of them are not controversial. But the premise concerning the decision matrix had to undergo two attacks: the infinity objection and the many gods objection. However, both of them can be refuted. 5.3 Kierkegaard’s Leap of Faith Kierkegaard’s leap of faith can be reconstructed by means of mathematical decision theory with non-archimedean values for the utility function. This approach resolves the false dilemma of ’fideism versus intellectualism’ in the philosophy of religion. Part 6 Elements of the Christian Doctrine 6.1 Revelation and Transcendence The difference between natural theology and revealed theology is explained and some conclusions are drawn. The Christian doctrine can been interpreted as axiomatization of faith where three types of specific T-theoretic terms are used. The scholastic concept of analogy can be interpreted as mathematical isomorphism. 6.2 The Concept of Trinity Trinity can be defined by five conditions. At first glance, this conditions seem to contradict each other. Then traditional types of solutions are discussed, known as Latin and Greek models. Finally a modern set theoretical model is presented which can be shown to be consistent. 6.3 The Concept of Incarnation Two traditional arguments for incarnation are discussed, one from the Middle Ages and one from the 18th century. Then a set theoretical model for incarnation is presented which supplements the corresponding model for trinity. Finally it is considered if there might be incarnations in extra-terrestrial civilizations. 6.4 Resurrection of Jesus Christ Logical arguments against the resurrection of Jesus are unable to cope with the empirical aspects of the question. Since the beginning of the 21st century, empirical arguments for the resurrection have been developed. Thereby only natural facts are used to support this supernatural event. Naturalistic objections can be refuted. 6.5 Enough Evidence for God? Is Jesus Christ the Only Way to God? Is there enough evidence for God? In addition to the already discussed arguments, there is a good Biblical answer to Bertrand Russell’s question. Is Jesus Christ the only way to God? In the logical and empirical dispute with the position of religious pluralism, this question can be clearly affirmed. 6.6 Witnesses to the Faith and Aspects of Conversion This last chapter does not argue anymore. Instead of that, aspects of Christian faith are displayed from the perspective of insiders. Short formulae of faith and personal testimonies are presented, and the phenomenon of conversion is investigated.weiterlesen