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Science cannot explain why human beings exist. Nor can it tell us why we are self-conscious individuals.
I disagree. I think that science is starting to better understand the function of the human brain since it began studying it. Consciousness is likely a consequence of our very complex, powerful brains which are capable of very abstract thought.
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Science can tell us a great deal about our physical make-up. Science cannot explain why the mind exists and functions as it does.
I disagree. Cognitive Psychology studies and develops theories regarding this very subject.
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Science can enable man to produce nuclear, chemical and biological weapons capable of wiping out the entire human race. Science cannot remove the causes of war by changing peoples attitudes and behaviour
I disagree. People used to believe that people with smaller brains were less intelligent, or that women were less intelligent, or that people with African features were less intelligent, but science demostrated eventually that this was wrong, and attitudes began to change.
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Science can study the results of human behaviour. Science cannot explain the principles involved. It can say nothing about love, justice, freedom, beauty, goodness, joy or peace. It cannot assess ethical values or moral principles, nor can it distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong.
Agreed.
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To say that science can offer explanations for everything within human experience is to ignore every moral question that has ever been raised.
I don't think that most science-minded people would ever say that science can determine aesthetics or morality.
[quote]Science can specifically study and analyse trends in religious belief and behaviour. Science cannot supply any reason why either should exist.[quote]
I disagree. Any human behavior can be studied from an Anthropological or SocialPsychological viewpoint. For example, do you know what Cargo Cults are?
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But billions over the years have believed in God.
And a flat earth.
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Millions of those have been sane. rational, intelligent, thinking, initially-skeptical people. They are evidence and their evidence demands a verdict.
Are the millions of people who believed in a flat earth also evidence of a flat earth?
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A reasoned verdict. Science cannot offer any explanation for it.
Sure it can.
When we don't understand the natural cause for something, we attribute the cause to a magical, supernatural cause.
Also, religion is a great justification for control of others; it is a great way to enforce social behavior and rules.
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Because God, in the face of the above, is not at all an unreasonable place to start a quest.
OK.
What God?
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