128k views
4 votes
Which of the following statements are consistent with a naturalistic worldview?

1) Humans are the result of a divine creation.
2) The universe was created by a higher power.
3) All phenomena can be explained by natural laws and processes.
4) Supernatural entities and forces exist in the world.

User Alain Cruz
by
8.0k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The statement in alignment with a naturalistic worldview is 'All phenomena can be explained by natural laws and processes' because naturalism relies on physical laws without supernatural elements.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements provided, the one consistent with a naturalistic worldview is: 3) All phenomena can be explained by natural laws and processes. In naturalism, all aspects of reality, including human existence and the workings of the universe, are understood solely in terms of natural (or physical) laws and processes.

A naturalistic worldview rejects any supernatural explanations for phenomena. Thus, statements 1) 'Humans are the result of a divine creation', 2) 'The universe was created by a higher power', and 4) 'Supernatural entities and forces exist in the world' are not aligned with naturalism, as they invoke supernatural elements.

The approach of naturalism aligns with the understanding that human reason and observation can uncover the workings of the natural world, as set forth by thinkers like Thomas Aquinas when he emphasized the role of reason in discerning natural laws. Natural laws are thought to be intrinsic to the universe, and discovering these laws involves careful observation and description of the world.

User Bonik
by
8.7k points