An example from the history of science is given that illustrates how scientific truth is always found not to be closed but contingent and open. Arguments are given to support this position based upon:
(a) the relevance of Gödel’s theorem to scientific theorizing.
(b) the concreteness of nature, and
(c) the fact that both cosmic and biological evolution lead to the emergence of new structures in nature that are characterized by greater complexity.
It is also argued that the open-endedness of scientific truth has many implications such as Polanyi’s assertion that the true objectivity of a scientific theory arises from its open-ended structure and, secondly, that this open contingency points beyond itself to the religious dimension.
Lastly, a religious justification is given for the open-endedness of all truth.
(a) the relevance of Gödel’s theorem to scientific theorizing.
(b) the concreteness of nature, and
(c) the fact that both cosmic and biological evolution lead to the emergence of new structures in nature that are characterized by greater complexity.
It is also argued that the open-endedness of scientific truth has many implications such as Polanyi’s assertion that the true objectivity of a scientific theory arises from its open-ended structure and, secondly, that this open contingency points beyond itself to the religious dimension.
Lastly, a religious justification is given for the open-endedness of all truth.
