(no subject)
Wisdom 7 may say something about the humility proper to science:
"15 Now God grant I speak suitably and value these endowments at their worth: For he is the guide of Wisdom and the director of the wise.
16 For both we and our words are in his hand, as well as all prudence and knowledge of crafts.
17 For he gave me sound knowledge of existing things, that I might know the organization of the universe and the force of its elements,
18 The beginning and the end and the midpoint of times, the changes in the sun's course and the variations of the seasons.
19 Cycles of years, positions of the stars,
20 natures of animals, tempers of beasts, Powers of the winds and thoughts of men, uses of plants and virtues of roots-
21 Such things as are hidden I learned and such as are plain;
22 for Wisdom, the artificer of all, taught me."
And Psalm 19 seems to say something about natural reason:
"2 The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft.
3 One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge.
4 There is no word or sound; no voice is heard;
5 Yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world. God has pitched there a tent for the sun;
6 it comes forth like a bridegroom from his chamber, and like an athlete joyfully runs its course.
7 From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat."
Some people argue against natural reason on the grounds that rational intellects can come to very different conclusions; however, for reason to be truly natural, I think it has to involve the whole person--not just the part of the brain that processes predicate logic or the part that rationalizes desires. With the amount of knowledge available to us, entailment defines too large a space to explore thoroughly. When reason is subjected to desire, the natural order internal to a person is upset, and again natural reason is not being exercised.
EDIT: While I'm at it, here is some more good stuff from Psalm 19:
13 Who can detect heedless failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults.
14 But from willful sins keep your servant; let them never control me. Then shall I be blameless, innocent of grave sin.
15 Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor, keep the thoughts of my heart before you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
"15 Now God grant I speak suitably and value these endowments at their worth: For he is the guide of Wisdom and the director of the wise.
16 For both we and our words are in his hand, as well as all prudence and knowledge of crafts.
17 For he gave me sound knowledge of existing things, that I might know the organization of the universe and the force of its elements,
18 The beginning and the end and the midpoint of times, the changes in the sun's course and the variations of the seasons.
19 Cycles of years, positions of the stars,
20 natures of animals, tempers of beasts, Powers of the winds and thoughts of men, uses of plants and virtues of roots-
21 Such things as are hidden I learned and such as are plain;
22 for Wisdom, the artificer of all, taught me."
And Psalm 19 seems to say something about natural reason:
"2 The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft.
3 One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge.
4 There is no word or sound; no voice is heard;
5 Yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world. God has pitched there a tent for the sun;
6 it comes forth like a bridegroom from his chamber, and like an athlete joyfully runs its course.
7 From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat."
Some people argue against natural reason on the grounds that rational intellects can come to very different conclusions; however, for reason to be truly natural, I think it has to involve the whole person--not just the part of the brain that processes predicate logic or the part that rationalizes desires. With the amount of knowledge available to us, entailment defines too large a space to explore thoroughly. When reason is subjected to desire, the natural order internal to a person is upset, and again natural reason is not being exercised.
EDIT: While I'm at it, here is some more good stuff from Psalm 19:
13 Who can detect heedless failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults.
14 But from willful sins keep your servant; let them never control me. Then shall I be blameless, innocent of grave sin.
15 Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor, keep the thoughts of my heart before you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.