criticisms falsification prin.

• What question does the text raise about Flew's ability to pass his own test?


  It questions whether falsification also 'dissolves in its own acid.'
• How can the statement “any statement which cannot be falsified is meaningless” be evaluated?


  It can be questioned whether it can itself be falsified.
• What does the text suggest about the self-refuting nature of the verification principle?


  It suggests that the statement may be self-refuting or self-contradictory.
• What are the two criticisms of Flew's portrayal of believers as blind fundamentalists?


  1. Believers have doubts, suggesting their faith is affected by empirical evidence.

  • Example: Archbishop Rowan Williams questioned his faith after the Boxing Day Tsunami.

  1. Believers have evidence to support their beliefs, including:

  • Evidence of design, the universe, morality, religious experience, miracles, scripture, and church traditions.
• What does Basil Mitchell argue in the parable of the stranger regarding faith?


  He argues that faith is tested by empirical evidence, suggesting it is falsifiable in principle.
• What does the text imply about the nature of believers' faith in response to experiences?


  It implies that believers' faith can increase or decrease based on their experiences.
• What is R. M. Hare's view on religious statements and their meaningfulness?


  He believes that religious statements are meaningful and important despite being unfalsifiable.
• What term does Hare use to describe unfalsifiable convictions?


  BLIKS
• How does Hare illustrate the importance of unfalsifiable beliefs?


  He uses the Parable of the lunatic to show their impact on behavior.
• What is the implication of Hare's argument for Flew's definition of meaningfulness?


  If unfalsifiable beliefs can be meaningful, Flew's definition may be rejected.