Making sense of our existence: the scientific and religious worldview

Salman Ahmed Shaikh ()

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 2018, vol. 34, issue 4, 593-607

Abstract: Purpose - This paper aims to understand the position of science and faith on questions of meaning in existence. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reviews the literature to enhance mutual understanding of original views of both science and religion camps on existential questions. Findings - Science is dedicated to identifying natural cause and effect relationships. This paper shows that faith does not frustrate that purpose. Science should be universal and its established knowledge through evidence should benefit all mankind and should be developed by people from diverse backgrounds. On the other hand, no religious text is a pure science book and no religion claims as such. Nonetheless, understanding and explaining the deeper meaning of life is beyond the domain of science. Science cannot be an arbiter in philosophical, moral, social and political matters. Originality/value - This paper clarifies the epistemological boundaries of science and religion on existential questions. It makes a case for mutual co-existence of both empirical knowledge and values in the future of society, as co-existence of both empirical knowledge and values is necessary in a healthy, progressive and spiritual society.

Keywords: Islam; Science; Epistemology; Worldview; Empiricism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijoesp:ijoes-08-2018-0116

DOI: 10.1108/IJOES-08-2018-0116

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