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3 Comments
RFlaggsays...And since it doesn't do so automatically if linked in the description, *related=http://videosift.com/video/How-to-Justify-Science-Richard-Dawkins
siftbotsays...How to Justify Science (Richard Dawkins) has been added as a related post - related requested by RFlagg.
renatojjsays...I truly admire Richard Dawkins, but the question is philosophical, and the way he answered that question is nothing to look up to.
Most religious people believe in a "higher power" for pragmatic reasons as well, it's emotionally comforting for them, and gives them a sense of purpose. If pragmatism was enough, religion could justify its faith in god the same way.
For example, one of the twelve steps for recovering addicts is "recognizing a higher power". Whether or not that's factually true, the belief is therapeutically useful.
I think a better answer should go along the lines of establishing what "justify" means, then explaining that the alternative, NOT believing in the scientific method, allows knowledge to be arbitrary, or impossible.
At least that's how a philosopher of science would start to answer that question, but I guess "It works, bitches" makes for a better sound bite.
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