Abstract
There are different perspectives from which one can view (natural) reality. One approach, which can be identified as the way natural scientists observe the world, concentrates on processes in nature. Causes and effects are central to this approach and every effort is made to describe them in terms which are independent of human perception. From this point of view, nature is seen as a set of impersonal processes and frequently it is claimed that this approach proceeds from a neutral stance. An evaluation of nature based on such a description seems to be a pure subjective judgement. Another approach stresses the role of human actions. In this view reality is first of all the world in which we live, the world which is given in human experience. Events, among others determined by human reasons and motives, are seen as central in the process of understanding human and natural reality. From this point of view, the evaluation of reality takes place against a background of contextual practices and discussions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Is Nature Ever Evil?: Religion, Science and Value |
| Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
| Pages | 274-283 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 0203398173, 9781134436705 |
| ISBN (Print) | 0415290600, 9780415290609 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2003 |