Is Theology a Science?: The Nature of the Scientific Enterprise in the Scientific Theology of Thomas Forsyth Torrance and the Anarchic Epistemology of Paul Feyerabend (Studies in Systematic Theology)

When Barth and Scholz clashed over the scientific status of theology, Barth drew the conclusion that if natural science was to be drawn up in such positivistic terms, theology had much to lose and little to gain by engagement with it. A generation later Barth's translator and pupil Thomas Torrance maintained that science had changed enough to make an engagement more fruitful. In works such as Theological Science, Torrance sketched out the contours of such and engagement. However at the same time the anarchic philosopher of science, Paul Feyerabend, in books such as Against Method, sought to deconstruct any notion of 'science' as ultimately the protection of vested interests. This book analyses whether Torrance's notion of science can withstand this newer post-modern threat. When Barth And Scholz Clashed Over The Scientific Status Of Theology, Barth Drew The Conclusion That If Natural Science Was To Be Drawn Up In Such Positivistic Terms, Theology Had Much To Lose And Little To Gain By Engagement With It. A Generation Later Barth's Translator And Pupil Thomas Torrance Maintained That Science Had Changed Enough To Make An Engagement More Fruitful. However At The Same Time The Anarchic Philosopher Of Science Paul Feyerabend, In The Book Such As Against Method, Sought To Deconstruct Any Notion Of Science As Ultimately The Protection Of Vested Interests. This Book Analyses Whether Torrance's Notion Of Science Can Withstand This Newer Post-modern Treat. Introduction: Context And History -- Introducing The Dailogue Partners : Torrance And Feyerabend -- Torrance : Theology Cohabiting With Natural Science -- Torrance's Proposal : A New Objectivity -- Feyerabend's Challenge : 'knowledge Without Foundations' -- Two Excuses -- Coherence And Language -- From Foundations To Spirals -- Conclusion. By David Munchin. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This book analyses whether the scientific epistemology of Torrance's Theological Science project is robust enough to withstand the anarchic and distinctively post-modern challenge of Paul Feyerabend: 'The worst enemy of science'.