Blog 24

                Chapter seven, “Creative Conflict,” of Dr. Pennock’s book discusses the differing view points and stances on science between different groups, specifically science and religious groups. When talking about these view points, he puts them in context of different eras such as when both groups display dogmatism. He brings up the fallacy that both ends often used of using one’s authority or power to proclaim what is true, instead of letting the truth speak for itself. This again brings up the importance of the virtues of humility to the evidence and skepticism towards authority, not just for the scientific community but also the religious community. This shows that some of the scientific virtues are usable in other fields and are therefore fluid in a sense. This fluidity and shared characteristics may help bridge the gap between these two groups and allow for civil discord instead of authoritative notions and violent efforts, something that Dr. Pennock also mentioned is a fault of both sides that needs to stop. I think another thing that will help these two people groups coming to terms relies in being humble to the evidence. I don’t mean the evidence of truth brought forth from both sides, I mean that both groups should not generalize what everyone from each group believes in. Each person from each group is unique and has unique ideals about the world around them. We should not look at a small sector of each group and claim that as the majority; for example, when people look at Isis and claim that all Muslims are just like that. Recognizing that everyone from both sides has different view points of their own and then appealing to those shared view points will help religious and scientific groups work together.

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