3.5 New frameworks

The first step toward this integrated framework is to formulate a clear idea of causation, especially an idea that may be generalized to include physics, psychology, and perhaps theology. The preferred concept of causation, to be developed in Part II, treats ‘dispositions’ as the primary feature of objects (both physical objects and minds). Although Part II contains no theology, this focus on dispositions arises because of the underlying theism in the whole project. The theism suggests love as the underlying reality for persons, and hence, in a derivative manner, suggests that dispositions and powers are the reality underlying both minds and nature. A concept of substance can usefully be developed and defined in terms of dispositions. Ideas of multi-level and derivative causation may also be defined and recognized in physics and psychology. Part II is required because changes in the philosophy of science need to be integrated within the new framework. Some likely predictions in science will be presented in Part IV.

This book describes, by deduction from postulates, a framework for theology and science and not theologies and sciences themselves. I do not predict quantum mechanics, quantum gravity, or detailed theories of thinking and memory in particular. I only provide a general framework in which such theories are to be expected and show how much I believe a theistic framework might ideally constrain the details of scientific theories. Those future theories are thereby expected to happily link up with theism in general, as well as, I hope, with all verified empirical observations from scientific research.