The philosophy of science in late nineteenth century Southern Presbyterianism.
Item
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Title
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The philosophy of science in late nineteenth century Southern Presbyterianism.
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Identifier
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AAI9224858
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identifier
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9224858
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Creator
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Smith, Frank Joseph.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Hans Trefousse
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Date
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1992
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Religion, History of | History, United States | History of Science
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Abstract
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This dissertation explores the tremendous interest in science which characterized Southern Presbyterianism in the period from 1861 (which marked the formation of the Southern Presbyterian Church) to 1900.;This fascination was manifest in a variety of ways: much discussion of natural science and the discoveries thereof; the relationship between science and religion; and the viewing of all of life--including church life and theology--in a scientific way. Darwinism helped to shatter the confidence that churchmen had long displayed with regard to science: no longer could men of science be counted on to foster belief in the Bible or to use their discoveries to reenforce Scriptural teachings. With the collapse of the traditional natural theology, a new apologetic had to be forged, one which was more philosophical and sophisticated and which approximated what would in the twentieth century be known as presuppositionalism.;The challenge of James Woodrow--a Calvinist who came gradually to believe in a form of evolution--threatened the church with schism. His views were eventually repudiated, and he was driven from his teaching post at Columbia Theological Seminary, though he retained his ministerial credentials.;Woodrow's antagonists--particularly John Lafayette Girardeau and Robert Lewis Dabney--helped to sharpen the definition of that which constitutes genuine science and to acquire a more acceptable understanding of how does one know something scientifically.;The dissertation also relates how scientific thinking affected other subject matters of discussion--from egalitarianism to doctrine, from civilization to worship.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
