In: Psychology
Define and explain naturalistic methodology. How is it different from a naturalistic cosmology (theory of how the universe began) and worldview?
Answer.
naturalistic Methodology attempts to explain and study scientific endeavors, hypotheses, and events related to natural causes and events. It is based on the assumption that natural as opposed to supernatural or spiritual laws and forces operate in the world and govern the behavior of the natural universe. Not only does it help knowing about the existence of a phenomena but also helps philosophers and scientists in identifying the causes for its emergence.
It is thus different from naturalistic cosmology as the latter deals with a hypothetical theory of origin of life and the universe while naturalistic methodology is concerned with the accurate approach and the way information and knowledge can be obtained. Methodological naturalism is thus more of "a paradigm of science." that requires scientists to seek explanations ( of which naturalistic cosmology May be a part) in the surrounding world based upon what is directly or empirically observable, replicable and verifiable.