This book on science and religion argues that a fuzzy model of critical realism will provide a mathematical base to overcome the binary thinking without indulging in reductionism and relativism. The author believes that the model based on fuzzy logic will offer an inclusive epistemological framework for science-theology dialogue where multiple referential claims reinforce each other. Possibilities of fuzzy logic vis-a-vis binary, relativist and probability thinking are delineated. The limitations of fuzzy logic and fuzzy model of critical realism are brought to light. The study ends by suggesting some directions for exploring fuzzy thinking in religion and developing a fuzzy language for talking about God and religion. Such an attempt enables a deeper and creative way of dealing with science, religion, theology and philosophy.

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgement

Figures

Glossary

Prologue

1. Critical Realism

        1.1 Critical Realism : A Brief Historical Overview

        1.2 Critical Realism in Science

        1.3 Critical Realism in Science-Theology Dialogue

        Conclusion

2. What is Critical about Critical Realism in Science - Theology Dialogue?

        2.1 Critical Realism in Science-Theology Dialogue : Barbour and Peacocke

        2.2 Critical Realism in Science Theology Dialogue : Nancy Murphy

        2.3 Is Critical Realism Modern or Postmodern?

        Conclusion

3. Fuzzy Model of Critical Realism

        3.1 Fuzzy Logic : Fuzzy Sets and Fuzzy Numbers

        3.2 Fuzzy Model of Critical Realism

        3.3 Science-Theology Dialogue within a Fuzzy Paradigm

        Conclusion

4. Applications

        4.1 A Fuzzy Logical Framework for Time and Eternity

        4.2 Fuzzy Logical Explanation of the Trinity

        4.3 Fuzzy Logical Explanation of Religions' Claim to Uniqueness

        Conclusion

5. Fuzzy Thinking - Limitations and Possibilities

        5.1 Fuzzy Thinking beyond Binary and Relativist Thinking

        5.2 Fuzzy Thinking beyond Probability Thinking

        5.3 Fuzzy Logic : Limitations and Possibilities

        5.4 Fuzzy Model of Critical Realism : Limitations and Possibilities

Epilogue

Appendix

Bibliography

Binoy Pichalakkattu is a Jesuit of Kerala Province, India. He holds doctorates in Mathematical Statistics (India) and in Systematic Theology (U.S.A). He is a recipient of Alpha Sigma Nu (2013) from Santa Clara University, Berkeley, California. He is a member of Clavius group for Catholic Mathematicians, U.S.A. Currently he is the Director of Loyola Institute of Peace and International Relations (LIPI), Kochi, and also the Managing Editor of EZHUTHU, a literary-cultural-scientific magazine, published by LIPI. He has published numerous articles both in national and international journals, and presented papers on topics related to mathematics, philosophy and religion. He is a visiting faculty in institutions in India and abroad.