2021/03/19 by Tyler Hildebrand, Thomas Metcalf, Thomas R. Metcalf · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Psychology · #Action (physics) #Appeal #Argument (complex analysis) #Epistemology #Evolution and Science Education #Law #Nomological network #Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs #Philosophy #Philosophy and History of Science #Physics #Political science
paper · doi:10.1111/nous.12364
openalex publication_date 2021/03/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Abstract According to the Nomological Argument, observed regularities in nature are best explained by an appeal to a supernatural being. A successful explanation must avoid two perils. Some explanations provide too little structure, predicting a universe without regularities. Others provide too much structure, thereby precluding an explanation of certain types of lawlike regularities featured in modern scientific theories. We argue that an explanation based in the creative, intentional action of a supernatural being avoids these two perils whereas leading competitors do not. Although our argument falls short of a full defense, it does suggest that the Nomological Argument is worthy of philosophical attention.