16 Questions
What is a miracle according to Hume?
A violation of the law of nature
Why does Hume doubt testimony of a miracle?
Because it is a rare occurrence
What is the main reason for Hume's argument from evidence and probability?
The evidence we have for the miracle must be weighed against the evidence for the law of nature
What is the condition for accepting a miracle according to Hume?
If the evidence for the miracle outweighs the evidence for the law of nature
What is the main conclusion of Hume's argument?
No testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle
What does Hume weigh when deciding whether to believe a miracle?
The probability of the miracle against the law of nature
What does Hume consider when evaluating testimony of a miracle?
Whether the falsehood of the testimony would be more miraculous than the fact
What is the implication of Hume's argument on the concept of miracles?
Miracles require extraordinary evidence
What is the central idea of realism in the context of miracles?
We can have knowledge of an objective reality, and miracles are objective events.
What is the main difference between realist and anti-realist views of miracles?
Realist views consider miracles as objective events, while anti-realist views consider them as subjective events.
What is the primary critique of realist miracles according to Hume?
Hume argued that our beliefs should be based on evidence and experience, and we are never justified in believing that realist miracles happen.
What is the significance of the three types of miracles identified by Aquinas?
They provide a framework for understanding the different ways in which God can interact with the natural world.
What is the key characteristic of anti-realist views of miracles?
They regard the question of whether miracles are real or not as beyond human understanding.
What is the main difference between Aquinas' and Hume's understanding of miracles?
Aquinas was a realist, while Hume was an anti-realist.
What is the primary goal of anti-realist views of miracles?
To focus on the meaning and significance of miracles to our minds.
What is the basis of Hume's empiricist philosophy?
Our beliefs should be based on evidence and experience.
Study Notes
Realist vs Anti-Realist Understanding of Miracles
- Realism: regards miracles as objective (mind-independent) events caused by God
- Anti-Realism: views miracles as subjective (mind-dependent) events within our minds
- Anti-Realism does not deny or affirm the reality of miracles, but rather questions our ability to understand them
Aquinas' Realist Understanding of Miracles
- Identified three types of miracles:
- Events that nature cannot do (e.g., creating something out of nothing)
- Events that nature can do, but not in the same way or order (e.g., resurrection of Christ)
- Events that nature can do, but God breaks the principles of nature (e.g., instant cure of a disease)
Hume's Realist Understanding and Rejection of Miracles
- Hume agrees with the realist understanding of miracles, but argues we are never justified in believing they happen
- As an empiricist, Hume believes our beliefs should be based on evidence and experience
- Miracles are "a violation of the law of nature"
- Reasons to doubt testimony of a miracle:
- Miracles are rare, so belief in one is likely mistaken
- Miracle stories often come from ignorant and barbarous nations
- Humans have a tendency to believe wonderous things without justification
Hume's Argument from Evidence and Probability
- Our evidence for a law of nature outweighs the evidence for a miracle
- We should proportion our beliefs to the evidence
- The evidence for a miracle (testimony) must be weighed against the evidence for the law of nature (scientific experiments)
- It's difficult for the evidence of testimony to outweigh the evidence for a law of nature
- Hume concludes that no testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle unless its falsehood would be more miraculous than the fact it tries to establish
This quiz explores the realist and anti-realist understandings of miracles, including their views on objective reality and the role of God. It delves into the philosophical debates surrounding the nature of miracles.
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