(Moral) philosophy and (moral) theology can function as (behavioural) science: a methodological framework for interdisciplinary research

摘要: In this paper I present two examples in which environmental moral rules, obtained from religious precepts (e.g., the dignity of non-humans and harmony with nature Hinduism or Buddhism, stewardship Judaism, trusteeship parsimony Islam, love neighbours Christianity) ethical principles responsibility for nature, future current generations, aversion to inter- intra-generational inequality) can be matched observed behaviours test assumptions, insights, both. particular, traditional scientific tests (i.e., validation vs. calibration reliability; out-of-sample estimations numerical simulations feasibility) recent invariance under observations interventions robustness relationships; holism individualism aggregation requirements; causal mechanisms evolutionary processes stability equilibria) are applied these demonstrate how philosophy theology (respectively) function as instances empirical behavioural science by assessing actions real contexts using scientifically sound procedures). Thus, provides a standardised methodology problem-solving achieving local global sustainability) knowledge-practicing testing content rules) support interdisciplinary research integrating concepts cross-validating models different fields inquiry.