Thinkers on Tuesday - What are Miracles?

One of the Webster Dictionary's definition of a miracle is "An event or effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things, or a deviation from the known laws of nature; a supernatural event, or one transcending the ordinary laws by which the universe is go."

Many religions believe in miracles, and several of us have experienced miracles directly (even if we're not overly religious ourselves). Logical positivism, however, postulates that miracles, according to the above definition, cannot exist per se - isolated events manifesting themselves without being verifiable by the scientific method have "probability zero" of existing.

We'll try to recount "stories about miracles" and also explain why positivists are so sure about their non-existence. Google for "miracles" and "logical positivism" or find the corresponding entries in the Wikipedia for some fresh arguments

Hosted By: Gwyneth Llewelyn

Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 2:00PM

Time: 2:00PM - 3:00PM (60 minutes)

Category: Discussion

Cover Charge? No

Location: Tawhaki (200, 200)