Question

Let's consider a hypothetical 'Church of the Moon' on a distant planet with a huge moon. The members of this church base all their beliefs about the moon and their religious practices on their holy book of the Moon.

When asked about their beliefs or about the moon itself, they only explain things in terms of what's written in their holy book. For example, if asked why the moon exists, they would say, "Because our holy book says it does." Or if they are asked why this or that happens, they reply - it happens this way and give a reference from their Moon book.

In this context, can their responses be considered 'explanations'? Would this vary depending on different philosophical or scientific perspectives?

Does an explanation need to involve demonstrating how an observation or phenomenon is a consequence of laws, principles, or more fundamental facts? Or can it be simply an account that makes something understandable or clear, in this case, by describing the narrative or beliefs from the book of the Moon?

Answer 1

The responses of the 'Church of the Moon' can be considered explanations within the context of their religious beliefs, but may not meet the criteria for scientific or philosophical explanations.

Step-by-step explanation:

An explanation typically involves demonstrating how an observation or phenomenon is a consequence of laws, principles, or more fundamental facts. In the case of the 'Church of the Moon,' their responses can be considered explanations based on their holy book. However, from a scientific or philosophical perspective, their responses may not be considered as explanations in the traditional sense.

An explanation in science involves providing evidence and reasoning that connects observations or phenomena to established principles and laws. It requires demonstrating the cause and effect relationship between different variables or factors. The responses from the followers of the 'Church of the Moon' are based solely on their holy book, without considering empirical evidence or scientific principles.

In summary, while the responses of the 'Church of the Moon' may be considered explanations within the context of their religious beliefs, they may not be considered as scientific or philosophical explanations that involve demonstrating the causality and underlying mechanisms of observed phenomena.