Essay on Philosophy

The main point of “Two Separate Domains” by Stephen Jay Gould, is closely related to the title of analyzed work. In fact, Stephen Jay Gould gathers readers attention with one important claim – religion and science should be perceived as tolerant to each other two domains, as moral and empirical aspects. This conclusion is generated by evolution theory multiple evaluation and analyzing.

To support this idea, author provided comprehensive analysis of Pope Pius’s Humani Generis of 1950 and Pope John Paul’s proclamation of October 1996. At second, Stephen Jay Gould presents own grounded thoughts about appropriate issue. As the result, Gould emphasizes the importance of NOMA solution (“nonoverlappingmagisteria”). The main point of NOMA tells us about two friendly and reasonable spheres – moral (religion) and theoretical (science). Science takes responsibility for empirical sphere and intended to answer theoretical questions. On the other hand, religionis authorized to take moral field: spirit and value. The authors claims that these to domains have no ability to disprove each other. Therefore, respectful attitude between two domains is the only reasonable approach.

Being evaluating Gould’s “Two domains”,it has to be recognized that this idea is worth to be called original and interesting. However, it can be argued from different points of view. In this order, next Gould’s words worth to be reminded: “many of our deepest questions call upon aspects of both magistri for different parts of a full answer”. Thereby, great philosopher accept interaction, but denies counteraction of two different magisteria. Seemingly, this fact raises certain doubts about “Two domains” solution. Furthermore, it should be considered that plenty of fundamental questions (f.e. The origin of Universe) are featured by interweaving of moral and empirical fields, which have mutually exclusive approaches. Regarding this fact, NOMA solution looks rather indefinite.