So-Sein und So-Sein-Sollen: Religion im Streit zwischen Natur- und Geisteswissenschaften

Abstract

The article deals with the pro et contra of polemics against ‘naturalistic fallacy’ as they have been established by George Edward Moore and others in order to avoid the derivation of ethical directives from scientific observations and conclusions. Its topics are some important aspects of the contemporary debate between human biology, specially ethological epistemology, and theology, all by reason of the problem whether religion is an instrument of biological and social survival. Particular regard is put on newly substantiated critics of such notions as ‘freedom of will’ and ‘conscious self-being’. What we feel to be decisions of an ego – is it the illusion of something that is actually ‘nobody’ (Thomas Metzinger)?

The article is closed by short remarks on the relationship of culture and salvation on the basis of a distinction of nature and grace.