Abstract
Reflections on the nature of physical reality According to T.S. Kuhn the history of a particular field of science is characterised by successive phases of problem solving, and each phase of problem solving is paradigmatically founded. A paradigm, like a worldview, expresses the deepest meaning and significance of reality. Man’s rational mind is, however, too limited in capacity to describe the complexity of reality in a scientific way. In an attempt to describe reality, reality thus has to be simplified. For instance, in order to present a description of the formation of the universe evolving from the big bang to a functional and efficient structure, the functionality as well as the structure of the universe with its billions of stars and star systems has to be simplified dramatically by an imaginative model. Such a simplified model is described by the big bang theory. Science brings to the fore questions regarding the deeper meaning and significance of reality, for instance the anthropic principle, on which only the Word of God can offer a perspective. All our observations are restrained by actualities such as finite velocity of light and our human boundness to time. Consequently, theories of evolution with an elementary beginning cannot be verified as valid and are therefore questionable. The same applies to verifying the process of evolution before man’s existence on earth. Furthermore, man can obtain no knowledge of the nature of time during God’s supernatural acts of creation as revealed by the Word of God. Nevertheless, it appears that even an idealistic theory of evolution that cannot be verified empirically can provide man with revelatory elements of God’s works, wisdom and omnipotence.
Highlights
Dit is met groot waardering dat ek erkenning gee aan gereelde en indringende gesprekke met prof
Sesdens: Geskiedkundige gebeurtenisse is kontingent in die sin dat hulle geen aanhoudende herhaling van dieselfde is nie, maar hulle toon ’n voortgang waarby die nuwe in die hede telkens tot stand kom op die grondslag van werk wat alreeds gedoen is (Stoker, 1975:4)
Die geïdealiseerde wêreld waarin projektielbeweging beskryf word, is ’n vereenvoudiging van die werklikheid, want die werklike vlug van ’n projektiel is te ingewikkeld om in alle opsigte omvattend en noukeurig te beskryf
Summary
Wetenskaplike teorieë word egter daardeur gekenmerk dat daar ’n afstand tussen wetenskap en werklikheid is as gevolg van die abstraksie van die konkrete daaglikse ervaring (Stafleu, 1996:184). Die sosiale aard van ’n groep wetenskaplikes se wetenskapsbeoefening, wat wetenskap vanuit ’n heersende paradigma vorm, sorg dat aan hierdie kenmerke voldoen word op grond van hulle onderlinge verbondenheid. In die opeenvolging van paradigmageleide en paradigmavervangende periodes is dit die individu, in wisselwerking met groepe wetenskaplikes, wat toerekenbare en verantwoordelike antwoorde gee op vrae wat voortspruit uit teoretiese voorspellings en probleme wat opgelos moet word. Sesdens: Geskiedkundige gebeurtenisse is kontingent in die sin dat hulle geen aanhoudende herhaling van dieselfde is nie, maar hulle toon ’n voortgang waarby die nuwe in die hede telkens tot stand kom op die grondslag van werk wat alreeds gedoen is (die verlede) (Stoker, 1975:4). Op grond van die kontingente aard van gebeurtenisse word nuwe insigte en kennis gevorm wat voortgang in wetenskaplike kennis en insigte beteken
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
