Does methodological naturalism lead one to accept ontological naturalism? : a thesis submitted to Massey University in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Philosophy, Massey University, New Zealand

Abstract

Science excludes the supernatural in its explanations and theories - a principle called ‘methodological naturalism’. This strategy of eschewing supernatural causation has been criticised, in particular by some religious communities. One reason given is that this principle leads one to a total rejection of anything supernatural (ontological naturalism). In this paper I argue that methodological naturalism is a stable but also necessary position, which does not cause one to accept an atheistic worldview.