29
July
Faith can neither be proved nor disproved
Original Quora question: Can someone refute Aquinas’s arguments, especially his argument of necessity or contingency? – Brian Kenner
If one accepts the linked definition of reason: here on LearningFramework or here on Quora, then …
It is NOT possible to, as absolutely true, (#1) disprove St Thomas Aquinas’ arguments. However, it is also NOT possible to prove, as absolutely true, (#2) either the existence of God or God’s nature (St Thomas Aquinas’ objective).
For this question …
- #2 is proved by the definition of reason.
- #1 is interesting and set forth below (originating also in the definition of reason).
There are several ways to arrive at truth. They are discussed in detail HERE.
Reason specifically (follow links above), sets forth the following:
- Absolute truth exists;
- No belief/hypotheses can be proved absolutely. All known and unknown hypotheses for the observed, but one, must be disproved for absolute truth. However, because the unknown is never known, absolute truth is beyond reason’s reach. Therefore, no belief/hypothesis can be claimed, by virtue of reason, as absolute truth.
This is true for every question, even theological ones. - However, by contrast, no divine beliefs/hypotheses can be disproved absolutely. Unlike beliefs/hypotheses arising from earthy observations, where beliefs/hypotheses can be disproven, beliefs in the divine arise outside of earthly reality and testability. Therefore …
Divine behaviors, in order for them to be divine, cannot be predicted or tested by humans. Therefore, no (scientific method [in reason]) test can be established to disprove a divine belief.
