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Evaluation of Polkinghorne's Model Regarding the Mechanism of Divine Action

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Researcher at the Center for Science and Theology, Institute for Science and Technology Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Philosophy of Science, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

John C. Polkinghorne (1930-2021) was one of the leading figures in the field of science and theology, who had a distinctive approach to explaining the mechanism of divine action in the natural world. The aim of this article is to provide a clear examination of his approach. We will argue that many of the criticisms have either been responded to by Polkinghorne himself or can be answered based on his framework. In particular, we will show that his approach is not a revival of the notorious idea of the God of the Gap, contrary to what many people think. We will also acknowledge that some other criticisms point out some weaknesses or flaws in his approach, but these criticisms do not pose a serious challenge and only indicate the need for further development of his approach. For instance, his approach should be elevated to provide a unified mechanism for divine action at both macroscopic and microscopic (quantum) levels. Finally, we will criticize his approach based on the fact that he has taken top-down causality as the mechanism of divine agency, while this type of causality can be understood in a purely naturalistic way. A significant part of his approach is completely neutral toward accepting or rejecting naturalism, and the remaining part presupposes the rejection of naturalism. Therefore, although his model has great scientific-philosophical appeal, its theological significance is questionable.

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References
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Journal of Philosophical Investigations

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 March 2025
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