Paul Bartha
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195325539
- eISBN:
- 9780199776313
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325539.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics
This book proposes a theory of analogical arguments, with special focus on analogies in mathematics and science. The core principle of the theory is that a good analogical argument must articulate a ...
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This book proposes a theory of analogical arguments, with special focus on analogies in mathematics and science. The core principle of the theory is that a good analogical argument must articulate a clear relationship capable of generalization. This idea leads to a set of distinct models for the critical analysis of prominent forms of analogical argument, corresponding to different logical, causal and probabilistic relationships that occur in scientific reasoning. The same principle allows us to relate analogical reasoning to broad norms and values of scientific practice, such as symmetry and unification. Elaborating this principle, the book raises questions and proposes answers regarding (1) criteria for evaluating analogical arguments, (2) the philosophical justification for analogical reasoning, and (3) the place of scientific analogies in the context of theoretical confirmation.Less
This book proposes a theory of analogical arguments, with special focus on analogies in mathematics and science. The core principle of the theory is that a good analogical argument must articulate a clear relationship capable of generalization. This idea leads to a set of distinct models for the critical analysis of prominent forms of analogical argument, corresponding to different logical, causal and probabilistic relationships that occur in scientific reasoning. The same principle allows us to relate analogical reasoning to broad norms and values of scientific practice, such as symmetry and unification. Elaborating this principle, the book raises questions and proposes answers regarding (1) criteria for evaluating analogical arguments, (2) the philosophical justification for analogical reasoning, and (3) the place of scientific analogies in the context of theoretical confirmation.
Louis A. Girifalco
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199228966
- eISBN:
- 9780191711183
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228966.003.0013
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
The results of the special theory of relativity are so peculiar that a huge number of experiments have been done to check its validity. The contraction of space, the slowing down of time, and the ...
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The results of the special theory of relativity are so peculiar that a huge number of experiments have been done to check its validity. The contraction of space, the slowing down of time, and the equivalence of mass and energy had to be experimentally verified before they could be accepted; and they were. Electron-positron annihilation, accelerator experiments, muon decay measurements, and a host of other experiments were performed. All verified special relativity and none contradicted it.Less
The results of the special theory of relativity are so peculiar that a huge number of experiments have been done to check its validity. The contraction of space, the slowing down of time, and the equivalence of mass and energy had to be experimentally verified before they could be accepted; and they were. Electron-positron annihilation, accelerator experiments, muon decay measurements, and a host of other experiments were performed. All verified special relativity and none contradicted it.
Jake Chandler and Victoria S. Harrison (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199604760
- eISBN:
- 9780191741548
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199604760.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Metaphysics/Epistemology
At a time in which probability theory is exerting an unprecedented influence on epistemology and philosophy of science, promising to deliver an exact and unified foundation for the philosophy of ...
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At a time in which probability theory is exerting an unprecedented influence on epistemology and philosophy of science, promising to deliver an exact and unified foundation for the philosophy of rational inference and decision-making, it is worth remembering that the philosophy of religion has long proven to be an extremely fertile ground for the application of probabilistic thinking to traditional epistemological debates. This book offers a representative sample of the work currently being carried out in this potentially rich field of inquiry. Grouped into five sections, the chapters span a broad range of traditional issues in religious epistemology. The first three sections discuss the evidential impact of various considerations that have been thought to have a bearing on the question of the existence of God. These include witness reports of the occurrence of miraculous events, the existence of complex biological adaptations, the apparent ‘fine-tuning’ for life of various physical constants and the existence of seemingly unnecessary evil. The fourth section addresses a number of issues raised by Pascal’s famous pragmatic argument for theistic belief. A final section offers probabilistic perspectives on the rationality of faith and the epistemic significance of religious disagreement.Less
At a time in which probability theory is exerting an unprecedented influence on epistemology and philosophy of science, promising to deliver an exact and unified foundation for the philosophy of rational inference and decision-making, it is worth remembering that the philosophy of religion has long proven to be an extremely fertile ground for the application of probabilistic thinking to traditional epistemological debates. This book offers a representative sample of the work currently being carried out in this potentially rich field of inquiry. Grouped into five sections, the chapters span a broad range of traditional issues in religious epistemology. The first three sections discuss the evidential impact of various considerations that have been thought to have a bearing on the question of the existence of God. These include witness reports of the occurrence of miraculous events, the existence of complex biological adaptations, the apparent ‘fine-tuning’ for life of various physical constants and the existence of seemingly unnecessary evil. The fourth section addresses a number of issues raised by Pascal’s famous pragmatic argument for theistic belief. A final section offers probabilistic perspectives on the rationality of faith and the epistemic significance of religious disagreement.
Sherrilyn Roush
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199274734
- eISBN:
- 9780191603228
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199274738.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
This book develops and defends a new externalist, reliabilist theory of knowledge and evidence, and develops a new view about scientific realism. Knowledge is viewed as a tracking theory that has a ...
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This book develops and defends a new externalist, reliabilist theory of knowledge and evidence, and develops a new view about scientific realism. Knowledge is viewed as a tracking theory that has a conditional probability rather than counterfactual formulation, and the property of closure under known implication is imposed on knowledge. It is argued that the tracking theory of evidence is best formulated and defended as a confirmation theory based on the Likelihood Ratio. These tracking theories of knowledge and evidence fit together to provide a deep explanation of why having better evidence makes one more likely to know. The new tracking theory of knowledge is argued to be superior to all currently known externalist rivals. It provides a distinctive explanation of why knowledge is more valuable than mere true belief, and explains why knowledge is power in the Baconian sense. Finally, the book argues that confirmation theory is relevant to debates about scientific realism, and defends a position intermediate between realism and anti-realism based on a view about what having evidence requires.Less
This book develops and defends a new externalist, reliabilist theory of knowledge and evidence, and develops a new view about scientific realism. Knowledge is viewed as a tracking theory that has a conditional probability rather than counterfactual formulation, and the property of closure under known implication is imposed on knowledge. It is argued that the tracking theory of evidence is best formulated and defended as a confirmation theory based on the Likelihood Ratio. These tracking theories of knowledge and evidence fit together to provide a deep explanation of why having better evidence makes one more likely to know. The new tracking theory of knowledge is argued to be superior to all currently known externalist rivals. It provides a distinctive explanation of why knowledge is more valuable than mere true belief, and explains why knowledge is power in the Baconian sense. Finally, the book argues that confirmation theory is relevant to debates about scientific realism, and defends a position intermediate between realism and anti-realism based on a view about what having evidence requires.
P. Kyle Stanford
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195174083
- eISBN:
- 9780199786367
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195174089.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
This chapter examines the most influential recent efforts by scientific realists to blunt or block the pessimistic induction by engaging the details of the history of science itself, including the ...
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This chapter examines the most influential recent efforts by scientific realists to blunt or block the pessimistic induction by engaging the details of the history of science itself, including the first serious efforts to recruit those details to the realist cause. It argues that the most promising and influential realist replies to the historical challenge (including those of Clyde Hardin and Alexander Rosenberg, Philip Kitcher, Stathis Psillos, Jarrett Leplin, and John Worrall) ultimately manage to achieve only Pyrrhic victories for realism, that is, “defences” of scientific realism that are forced to concede to the realist's opponent either just the substantive points that were in dispute between them or everything he/she needs for a convincing historical case against realism itself. Both the problem of unconceived alternatives and the pessimistic induction itself survive even the best recent efforts to defend realism from the specter of the historical record.Less
This chapter examines the most influential recent efforts by scientific realists to blunt or block the pessimistic induction by engaging the details of the history of science itself, including the first serious efforts to recruit those details to the realist cause. It argues that the most promising and influential realist replies to the historical challenge (including those of Clyde Hardin and Alexander Rosenberg, Philip Kitcher, Stathis Psillos, Jarrett Leplin, and John Worrall) ultimately manage to achieve only Pyrrhic victories for realism, that is, “defences” of scientific realism that are forced to concede to the realist's opponent either just the substantive points that were in dispute between them or everything he/she needs for a convincing historical case against realism itself. Both the problem of unconceived alternatives and the pessimistic induction itself survive even the best recent efforts to defend realism from the specter of the historical record.
Jonathan L. Kvanvig (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199603213
- eISBN:
- 9780191725388
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199603213.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Metaphysics/Epistemology
This is the third volume of the Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Religion series. As with the first two volumes, these essays follow the tradition of providing a non-sectarian and non-partisan ...
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This is the third volume of the Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Religion series. As with the first two volumes, these essays follow the tradition of providing a non-sectarian and non-partisan snapshot of the subdiscipline of philosophy of religion. This subdiscipline has become an increasingly important one within philosophy over the last century, and especially over the past half century, having emerged as an identifiable subfield within this time frame along with other emerging subfields such as the philosophy of science and the philosophy of language. This volume continues the initial intention behind the series of attracting the best work from the premier philosophers of religion, as well as including top philosophers outside this area when their work and interests intersect with issues in philosophy of religion. This inclusive approach to the series provides an opportunity to mitigate some of the costs of greater specialization in our disciplines, while at the same time inviting greater interest in the work being done in the philosophy of religion. We thus present the third volume in this series, a volume containing contributions by an impressive group of philosophers on topics of central important to the philosophy of religion.Less
This is the third volume of the Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Religion series. As with the first two volumes, these essays follow the tradition of providing a non-sectarian and non-partisan snapshot of the subdiscipline of philosophy of religion. This subdiscipline has become an increasingly important one within philosophy over the last century, and especially over the past half century, having emerged as an identifiable subfield within this time frame along with other emerging subfields such as the philosophy of science and the philosophy of language. This volume continues the initial intention behind the series of attracting the best work from the premier philosophers of religion, as well as including top philosophers outside this area when their work and interests intersect with issues in philosophy of religion. This inclusive approach to the series provides an opportunity to mitigate some of the costs of greater specialization in our disciplines, while at the same time inviting greater interest in the work being done in the philosophy of religion. We thus present the third volume in this series, a volume containing contributions by an impressive group of philosophers on topics of central important to the philosophy of religion.
Barry Stephenson
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199732753
- eISBN:
- 9780199777310
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199732753.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity, Religion and Society
This chapter describes, interprets, and comments on the liturgy and performances conducted by the Lutherans during Wittenberg’s Luther festivals. The various branches of Lutheranism active in ...
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This chapter describes, interprets, and comments on the liturgy and performances conducted by the Lutherans during Wittenberg’s Luther festivals. The various branches of Lutheranism active in Wittenberg are described. The symbolic dimensions of Lutheran liturgy, processions, architecture, and celebration are interpreted, drawing on the thought of Victor Turner. Tensions between Lutheran groups are discussed.Less
This chapter describes, interprets, and comments on the liturgy and performances conducted by the Lutherans during Wittenberg’s Luther festivals. The various branches of Lutheranism active in Wittenberg are described. The symbolic dimensions of Lutheran liturgy, processions, architecture, and celebration are interpreted, drawing on the thought of Victor Turner. Tensions between Lutheran groups are discussed.
Mary Leng
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199280797
- eISBN:
- 9780191723452
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199280797.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics, Metaphysics/Epistemology
‘Naturalism’, as we have used the term, is the commitment to look to science to discover what we ought to believe. If one reads ‘science’ broadly, to include pure mathematics, then this commitment ...
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‘Naturalism’, as we have used the term, is the commitment to look to science to discover what we ought to believe. If one reads ‘science’ broadly, to include pure mathematics, then this commitment might seem to lead directly to mathematical realism, since our pure mathematical theories prove the existence of many mathematical objects. But the indispensability argument focuses on the use of mathematics in our empirical theories, and holds that we have reason to believe in only those mathematical objects whose existence is confirmed by their indispensable presence as posits in our best empirical theories. This chapter argues that there is no tension between the naturalist's commitment to look to science, broadly construed, to discover what we ought to believe, and the indispensability argument's focus on the role of mathematics in empirical science, since pure mathematical theories need not be true to be good.Less
‘Naturalism’, as we have used the term, is the commitment to look to science to discover what we ought to believe. If one reads ‘science’ broadly, to include pure mathematics, then this commitment might seem to lead directly to mathematical realism, since our pure mathematical theories prove the existence of many mathematical objects. But the indispensability argument focuses on the use of mathematics in our empirical theories, and holds that we have reason to believe in only those mathematical objects whose existence is confirmed by their indispensable presence as posits in our best empirical theories. This chapter argues that there is no tension between the naturalist's commitment to look to science, broadly construed, to discover what we ought to believe, and the indispensability argument's focus on the role of mathematics in empirical science, since pure mathematical theories need not be true to be good.
ALISON WYLIE
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780197264843
- eISBN:
- 9780191754050
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264843.003.0014
- Subject:
- Sociology, Methodology and Statistics
This chapter adopts a philosophical perspective on evidential reasoning in archaeology. It argues that strong relativist and scientistic positions in debates within anthropological archaeology are ...
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This chapter adopts a philosophical perspective on evidential reasoning in archaeology. It argues that strong relativist and scientistic positions in debates within anthropological archaeology are both based on simplistic assumptions. The ‘scientists’ set standards of credibility that are too high, while the relativists underestimate the confirmatory power of epistemically independent lines of evidence. The chapter outlines a model of evidential reasoning based on archaeological practice that integrates insights drawn from philosophical theories of confirmation, model building, and hypothesis testing. Given growing interest in the uses of material evidence in fields that had been resolutely text-based, the archaeological principles of evidential reasoning may have much wider reach than this particular social/historical discipline.Less
This chapter adopts a philosophical perspective on evidential reasoning in archaeology. It argues that strong relativist and scientistic positions in debates within anthropological archaeology are both based on simplistic assumptions. The ‘scientists’ set standards of credibility that are too high, while the relativists underestimate the confirmatory power of epistemically independent lines of evidence. The chapter outlines a model of evidential reasoning based on archaeological practice that integrates insights drawn from philosophical theories of confirmation, model building, and hypothesis testing. Given growing interest in the uses of material evidence in fields that had been resolutely text-based, the archaeological principles of evidential reasoning may have much wider reach than this particular social/historical discipline.
Dr. Ben S. Branch, Hugh M. Ray, and Robin Russell
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195306989
- eISBN:
- 9780199783762
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195306989.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This chapter explains the liquidation of a business in a proceeding under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code using a liquidating plan of reorganization. The negotiation, confirmation, ...
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This chapter explains the liquidation of a business in a proceeding under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code using a liquidating plan of reorganization. The negotiation, confirmation, and implementation of a liquidating plan — sometimes referred to as a “pot plan” — together with the substantial advantages of liquidating under such a plan are discussed. Vehicles for managing the liquidation, such as liquidating trusts and limited liability companies, are outlined. The central focus is on the duties, powers, oversight, and compensation of the liquidator under the plan. This person is often referred to as the liquidating trustee.Less
This chapter explains the liquidation of a business in a proceeding under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code using a liquidating plan of reorganization. The negotiation, confirmation, and implementation of a liquidating plan — sometimes referred to as a “pot plan” — together with the substantial advantages of liquidating under such a plan are discussed. Vehicles for managing the liquidation, such as liquidating trusts and limited liability companies, are outlined. The central focus is on the duties, powers, oversight, and compensation of the liquidator under the plan. This person is often referred to as the liquidating trustee.
Brian Lugioyo
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195387360
- eISBN:
- 9780199866663
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195387360.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Chapter 4 explores the moderate Catholic view of justification in Johannes Gropper’s Enchiridion of 1538. Gropper was instrumental in formulating the agreements on justification reached at Worms in ...
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Chapter 4 explores the moderate Catholic view of justification in Johannes Gropper’s Enchiridion of 1538. Gropper was instrumental in formulating the agreements on justification reached at Worms in 1540–1541 and Regensburg in 1541. Understanding his view is illuminative of Bucer’s influence in the article. This chapter shows how Gropper’s view of incorporation into Christ within the sacramental structures (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, and penance) of the church is important for understanding his soteriology.Less
Chapter 4 explores the moderate Catholic view of justification in Johannes Gropper’s Enchiridion of 1538. Gropper was instrumental in formulating the agreements on justification reached at Worms in 1540–1541 and Regensburg in 1541. Understanding his view is illuminative of Bucer’s influence in the article. This chapter shows how Gropper’s view of incorporation into Christ within the sacramental structures (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, and penance) of the church is important for understanding his soteriology.
Gillian Russell
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199232192
- eISBN:
- 9780191715907
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199232192.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Language
This chapter responds to the two main arguments of Quine's paper ‘Two Dogmas of Empiricism’. It argues that Chapter 2's rejection of the language myth makes it easier to understand what is good or ...
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This chapter responds to the two main arguments of Quine's paper ‘Two Dogmas of Empiricism’. It argues that Chapter 2's rejection of the language myth makes it easier to understand what is good or plausible in the infamous argument from circularity, but that it ultimately also allows us to reject the conclusion of that argument. Similarly, the argument from confirmation holism is presented and rejected.Less
This chapter responds to the two main arguments of Quine's paper ‘Two Dogmas of Empiricism’. It argues that Chapter 2's rejection of the language myth makes it easier to understand what is good or plausible in the infamous argument from circularity, but that it ultimately also allows us to reject the conclusion of that argument. Similarly, the argument from confirmation holism is presented and rejected.
Jon Williamson
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199228003
- eISBN:
- 9780191711060
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228003.003.0010
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Probability / Statistics, Logic / Computer Science / Mathematical Philosophy
In this chapter we will take stock and consider some questions and applications that merit future attention. In §10.1 we will encounter some questions arising from the topics covered in this book. ...
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In this chapter we will take stock and consider some questions and applications that merit future attention. In §10.1 we will encounter some questions arising from the topics covered in this book. Sect. 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 will advertise the application of objective Bayesian erastemology to statistics, confirmation theoryand metaphysics respectively. As we see, there is plenty on the agenda for those wishing to contribute to the objective Bayesian research programme.Less
In this chapter we will take stock and consider some questions and applications that merit future attention. In §10.1 we will encounter some questions arising from the topics covered in this book. Sect. 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 will advertise the application of objective Bayesian erastemology to statistics, confirmation theoryand metaphysics respectively. As we see, there is plenty on the agenda for those wishing to contribute to the objective Bayesian research programme.
Paul F. A. Bartha
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195325539
- eISBN:
- 9780199776313
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325539.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics
This chapter has two purposes. First, it explores the connection between analogical reasoning and symmetry to provide a second justification for the argument form, independent of the one offered in ...
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This chapter has two purposes. First, it explores the connection between analogical reasoning and symmetry to provide a second justification for the argument form, independent of the one offered in chapter 7. The chapter proposes that good analogical arguments are sanctioned by norms of symmetry and Reflection, as expounded by van Fraassen. This idea is elaborated first in a nonprobabilistic setting and then in a probabilistic framework. It is argued that a psychological construal of the relationship between symmetry and probability, as championed by de Finetti and others, is inadequate. The second objective of the chapter is to integrate analogical arguments into a Bayesian model of theoretical confirmation by refining Salmon's idea that analogical arguments contribute to establishing non‐negligible prior probability for hypotheses.Less
This chapter has two purposes. First, it explores the connection between analogical reasoning and symmetry to provide a second justification for the argument form, independent of the one offered in chapter 7. The chapter proposes that good analogical arguments are sanctioned by norms of symmetry and Reflection, as expounded by van Fraassen. This idea is elaborated first in a nonprobabilistic setting and then in a probabilistic framework. It is argued that a psychological construal of the relationship between symmetry and probability, as championed by de Finetti and others, is inadequate. The second objective of the chapter is to integrate analogical arguments into a Bayesian model of theoretical confirmation by refining Salmon's idea that analogical arguments contribute to establishing non‐negligible prior probability for hypotheses.
John McManners
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198270041
- eISBN:
- 9780191600692
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198270046.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Baptism was obligatory and universal by the laws on Church and State and the rules laid down by the Church were universally obeyed. As far as the other sacraments are concerned, the practice of ...
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Baptism was obligatory and universal by the laws on Church and State and the rules laid down by the Church were universally obeyed. As far as the other sacraments are concerned, the practice of confirmation was haphazard, but in all except the most neglected of parishes, young people preparing for the First Communion were thoroughly drilled in their catechism. A multitude of manuals for catechism were available, many reflecting Jansenist influence, but all affirming the authority of the Church and in the second half of the century adopting an increasingly moralistic tone. There was some tension between church and state over marriage; the secular law stressed the inferior status of the wife, while the Church tried in vain to moderate the folkloric practices surrounding the marriage ceremony. The church ceremonies surrounding death and social observances as much as religious practices were universally followed, despite the scepticism of Enlightenment thinkers.Less
Baptism was obligatory and universal by the laws on Church and State and the rules laid down by the Church were universally obeyed. As far as the other sacraments are concerned, the practice of confirmation was haphazard, but in all except the most neglected of parishes, young people preparing for the First Communion were thoroughly drilled in their catechism. A multitude of manuals for catechism were available, many reflecting Jansenist influence, but all affirming the authority of the Church and in the second half of the century adopting an increasingly moralistic tone. There was some tension between church and state over marriage; the secular law stressed the inferior status of the wife, while the Church tried in vain to moderate the folkloric practices surrounding the marriage ceremony. The church ceremonies surrounding death and social observances as much as religious practices were universally followed, despite the scepticism of Enlightenment thinkers.
Owen Chadwick
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198269021
- eISBN:
- 9780191600470
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198269021.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
The only form of teaching in the first reformed parishes was the catechism, in Germany based on Luther's Catechism, but this was not acceptable to the Swiss. Religious education lacked focus until ...
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The only form of teaching in the first reformed parishes was the catechism, in Germany based on Luther's Catechism, but this was not acceptable to the Swiss. Religious education lacked focus until confirmation was introduced as the climax of catechism and the symbol of a stage of life completed. The first flush of enthusiasm for education in evangelical cities ran into the difficulties of shortage of money and teachers, but was still a remarkable achievement in the long run. The use of theatre in education, at first widespread, soon became suspect. Universities, indispensable to the reforming practice of church government, were transformed, while the reformers were also keen to promote travel for study.Less
The only form of teaching in the first reformed parishes was the catechism, in Germany based on Luther's Catechism, but this was not acceptable to the Swiss. Religious education lacked focus until confirmation was introduced as the climax of catechism and the symbol of a stage of life completed. The first flush of enthusiasm for education in evangelical cities ran into the difficulties of shortage of money and teachers, but was still a remarkable achievement in the long run. The use of theatre in education, at first widespread, soon became suspect. Universities, indispensable to the reforming practice of church government, were transformed, while the reformers were also keen to promote travel for study.
Bernard Cooke and Gary Macy
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195154115
- eISBN:
- 9780199835591
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195154118.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
The history and meaning of the Christian rituals of baptism and confirmation are presented, with special emphasis on the problem of infant baptism. The ritual of baptism, with its attendant symbolism ...
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The history and meaning of the Christian rituals of baptism and confirmation are presented, with special emphasis on the problem of infant baptism. The ritual of baptism, with its attendant symbolism as it is presently performed in the Roman Catholic Church, is described in detail.Less
The history and meaning of the Christian rituals of baptism and confirmation are presented, with special emphasis on the problem of infant baptism. The ritual of baptism, with its attendant symbolism as it is presently performed in the Roman Catholic Church, is described in detail.
Arthur Magida
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520245457
- eISBN:
- 9780520941717
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520245457.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
This book explores rites of passage in America by sifting through the accounts of influential thinkers who experienced them. The author explains the underlying theologies, evolution, and actual ...
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This book explores rites of passage in America by sifting through the accounts of influential thinkers who experienced them. The author explains the underlying theologies, evolution, and actual practice of Jewish bar and bat mitzvahs, Christian confirmations, Hindu sacred thread ceremonies, Muslim shahadas and Zen Jukai ceremonies. In rare interviews, renowned artists and intellectuals such as Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, holistic guru Deepak Chopra, singer Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), actress/comedienne Julia Sweeney, cartoonist Roz Chast, interfaith maven Huston Smith, and many more talk intimately about their religious backgrounds, the rites of passage they went through, and how these events shaped who they are today. The author compares these coming of age ceremonies' origins and evolution, considers their ultimate meaning and purpose, and gauges how their meaning changes with individuals over time. He also examines innovative rites of passage that are now being “invented” in the United States. The book reveals a deep, ultimate need for coming-of-age events, especially in a fluid society such as America.Less
This book explores rites of passage in America by sifting through the accounts of influential thinkers who experienced them. The author explains the underlying theologies, evolution, and actual practice of Jewish bar and bat mitzvahs, Christian confirmations, Hindu sacred thread ceremonies, Muslim shahadas and Zen Jukai ceremonies. In rare interviews, renowned artists and intellectuals such as Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, holistic guru Deepak Chopra, singer Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), actress/comedienne Julia Sweeney, cartoonist Roz Chast, interfaith maven Huston Smith, and many more talk intimately about their religious backgrounds, the rites of passage they went through, and how these events shaped who they are today. The author compares these coming of age ceremonies' origins and evolution, considers their ultimate meaning and purpose, and gauges how their meaning changes with individuals over time. He also examines innovative rites of passage that are now being “invented” in the United States. The book reveals a deep, ultimate need for coming-of-age events, especially in a fluid society such as America.
Karen B. Westerfield Tucker
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195126983
- eISBN:
- 9780199834754
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019512698X.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Tensions occur when a church practices infant baptism but also expects personal faith or even an experience of conversion from its members. Methodists in America struggled theologically with the ...
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Tensions occur when a church practices infant baptism but also expects personal faith or even an experience of conversion from its members. Methodists in America struggled theologically with the meaning and purpose of baptism for both infants and adults, especially regarding the issues of original sin, baptismal regeneration, and the connection between baptism and church membership. The theological positions reached on the sacrament were often honed from controversies with other Christians, who pressed the Methodists regarding the subjects and modes of baptism. Methodist baptismal rites saw significant alterations, and new rites related to Christian initiation developed for membership, confirmation, and baptismal renewal.Less
Tensions occur when a church practices infant baptism but also expects personal faith or even an experience of conversion from its members. Methodists in America struggled theologically with the meaning and purpose of baptism for both infants and adults, especially regarding the issues of original sin, baptismal regeneration, and the connection between baptism and church membership. The theological positions reached on the sacrament were often honed from controversies with other Christians, who pressed the Methodists regarding the subjects and modes of baptism. Methodist baptismal rites saw significant alterations, and new rites related to Christian initiation developed for membership, confirmation, and baptismal renewal.
William L. Harper
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199570409
- eISBN:
- 9780191728679
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199570409.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
This chapter includes some historical background on Astronomy, mechanics and physical causes, as well as an overview of Newton’s background framework and his theoretical concept of a centripetal ...
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This chapter includes some historical background on Astronomy, mechanics and physical causes, as well as an overview of Newton’s background framework and his theoretical concept of a centripetal force. It introduces Newton’s Rules for reasoning in natural philosophy and gives an overview of Newton’s argument for universal gravity and its application to the solar system. A comparison with a passage from Huygens on hypothetico-deductive confirmation helps inform Newton’s classic hypotheses non-fingo passage. Lessons on scientific method also include an informative contrast with Laplace’s search for solar system stability, and a contrast between theory acceptance guided by empirical success and mere assignment of high probability.Less
This chapter includes some historical background on Astronomy, mechanics and physical causes, as well as an overview of Newton’s background framework and his theoretical concept of a centripetal force. It introduces Newton’s Rules for reasoning in natural philosophy and gives an overview of Newton’s argument for universal gravity and its application to the solar system. A comparison with a passage from Huygens on hypothetico-deductive confirmation helps inform Newton’s classic hypotheses non-fingo passage. Lessons on scientific method also include an informative contrast with Laplace’s search for solar system stability, and a contrast between theory acceptance guided by empirical success and mere assignment of high probability.
