FROM CRITICAL REALISM TO A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH: RESPONSE TO ROBBINS, VAN HUYSSTEEN, AND HEFNER

Abstract. Critical realism is a problematic philosophical doctrine that unnecessarily complicates attempts to relate theology and science. A more satisfactory approach employs the scientific methodology of Imre Lakatos for the reconstruction of theology along scientific lines. Theological research programs would automatically include auxiliary hypotheses of both theological and scientific origin.