Theism and Inference to the Best Explanation

Abstract

In this paper the author critically examines the explanatory role of theistic belief. Although talk of religious beliefs as explanations is commonly employed in the context of religious epistemology, it may also serve to simply characterise one of the functions of religious views of life. It is proposed that with some qualifications, the methodology known as ‘inference to the best explanation’ may serve to clarify this explanatory aspect of belief in God.