Ernan McMullin and Critical Realism in the Science-Theology Dialogue

Scientists, philosophers and theologians have wrestled repeatedly with the question of whether knowledge is similar or different in their various understandings of the world and God. Although agreement is still elusive, the epistemology of critical realism, associated with Ian Barbour, John Polkinghorne and Arthur Peacocke, remains widely credible. Relying on the lifetime work of philosopher Ernan McMullin, this book expands our understanding of critical realism beyond a permanent stand-off between the subjective and objective, whether in science or theology. Critical realism illuminates the subject and the objectively known simultaneously. Responding to criticisms made against it, this book defends critical realism in science and theology with a specific role to play in our understanding of God.

Contents: Foreword; Introduction; Contemporary natural theology and critical realism in science and theology; McMullin's scientific realism and the theory of retroduction; Cosmology and the limits of scientific knowledge; McMullin, faith and rationality; Extending McMullin's theology of self-transcendence; Conclusion; Chronological bibliography of Ernan McMullin's works; Index.

Paul L. Allen is Assistant Professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. He is formerly Canadian Director of the Science and Religion Course Programme, is currently an administrator with the Lonergan Website, and has given presentations in Canada, the United States, India and Italy.