Mark W. Foreman's Absolute Neutrality In Doing Philosophy

Dr. Mark W. Foreman warns Christians in Prelude to Philosophy to avoid the extreme case of disregarding the Bible when “doing philosophy” (94). He points out that some individuals maintain the necessity of abandoning “convictions, presuppositions and worldviews [in order to] adopt a position of neutrality in doing philosophy” (Foreman 94). According to Dr. Foreman, the individuals advocating absolute neutrality contend that a view should only be accepted “after examining all possible views from a neutral perspective” (94). Essentially, individuals partaking in philosophical investigations should be absent of all beliefs and be entirely open to any viewpoints before they accept the view that is supported by the greatest argument and evidence. …show more content…
Foreman expresses three issues with the absolute neutral position that espouses the elimination of even our core beliefs. One issue is that many people would be unable to accomplish an absolute neutral perspective. When it comes to investigating beliefs, Dr. Foreman notes that individuals must start with “some standard or criteria” (94). The second issue he has with absolute neutrality is that it is “unreasonable” since presuppositions held by most people are “deeply ingrained” (Foreman 94). The last problem Dr. Foreman expresses concerning absolute neutrality is that it is unnecessary because critical examination can be undertaken with all commitments and beliefs intact, even those established through Scripture, as long as the individual is cognizant of those beliefs and willingly defers them to examination