Final answer:
Unitary process theories posit that reality consists of dynamic, interconnected events rather than static substances. Process Philosophy adopts a panentheistic view of the divine, suggesting a non-coercive deity that interacts with creation. These theories emphasize coherence and reliability in the formation and justification of beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core belief of unitary process theories, particularly within Process Philosophy and Process Theology, is the rejection of static substances in favor of dynamic and interrelated events or actual entities. This metaphysical framework views reality as a succession of experiential events that are in constant causal motion, encompassing not only material existence but also abstract patterns or eternal objects, akin to the philosophical concept of universals. These entities are in a state of perpetual creativity, and it is within this paradigm that one considers the nature of the divine and truth. In relation to a deity, process philosophy offers a panentheistic view where the divine is seen both within and transcending the physical universe, influencing events through a power of attraction or persuasion, but without being coercively omnipotent. This aligns with the idea that the future is not predetermined, allowing for genuine freedom and self-determination.
When it comes to epistemology, the relevance of unitary process theories can be associated with the Coherentist Theory of Truth and historical reliability. The former holds that new beliefs are integrated within a web of already established beliefs based on coherence, while the latter, like Goldman's theory, trusts in the historical reliability of belief-forming processes such as perception, memory, and reasoning to justify true beliefs. The core belief of unitary process theories is that reality consists of a dynamic collection of events and that there are no static, independent realities. Instead, there are "actual entities," which are creative and experiential events. These theories also emphasize the idea of coherence, where new beliefs are accepted if they are consistent with previously acquired beliefs.