Final answer:
Naturalism is the belief that natural laws explain everything in the universe. It suggests that events which are currently unexplainable might eventually be understood scientifically, without invoking the supernatural. Naturalists require verifiable evidence for any claims of supernatural causation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Naturalism is a philosophical stance asserting that natural laws and forces explain all phenomena within the universe, precluding any spiritual or supernatural explanations. Accordingly, events currently inexplicable by science are not deemed miraculous but rather as phenomena not yet understood within the constraints of existing natural laws. This perspective maintains a commitment to empirical evidence and logical reasoning.
Supporters of naturalism argue that claims of supernatural causation require verifiable evidence. They reject the attribution of phenomena to supernatural causes simply because current scientific understanding fails to provide an explanation. As such, miracles, defined as events that violate natural laws, are viewed with skepticism unless they can be substantiated by indisputable evidence. Naturalists also contend that purported miracles could one day be explained by advances in scientific knowledge, thus reinforcing a naturalistic understanding of the universe.
In the face of events not yet explained by science, naturalism posits that either a natural explanation exists, or our understanding of natural laws is incomplete. This approach to understanding the world does not allow for supernatural interventions and rests on the principle that all phenomena are grounded in natural causes and effects.