I would define a first-order science as an ancient and limited form of each science that is valid within its limits and simplifications. Each first-order science is a limiting case of a higher-order science known today (the correspondence principles). These are sciences of unaided observation and common sense. In particular:
First-order physics is the science of constant, uniform motion (linear, circular, or cyclic). Gravity and acceleration are ignored, as in STR.
First-order chemistry is the science of the four elements widely used in ancient cultures: earth, water, air, and fire. These are emblematic of the four phases of matter and a simplified table of elements.
First-order biology is the science of the common classes of living things: plants, fish, birds, land animals, and mankind. While finer distinctions (kinds) are acknowledged, they are not given a comprehensive treatment within first-order biology. Darwinism is precluded because it doesn’t satisfy a correspondence principle (it requires denying the appearance of design).
First-order mathematics, medicine, meteorology, geology, etc. are similarly limited treatments of higher-order sciences known today.
Here’s my thesis: the Bible was written with first-order science in view. The point is that this is perfectly legitimate; it is not a science that has been rejected but a limited and simplified science that is still valid today. The false ideas of the Babylonians etc. are not in the Bible.
For example, Genesis 1 is clearly written in terms of first-order chemistry and biology as defined above. In first-order physics the geocentric and heliocentric frames of reference are interchangeable so geocentric language is legitimate. The Bible uses round numbers so we should not expect a decimal approximation for pi (1 Kings 7:23).
The conclusion is that we should interpret the Bible’s statements about the physical world in terms of first-order science, which has been known for centuries and is still valid today. We may take the first-order science in the Bible and expand it into higher-order models that are consistent with the best science known today. That is one way to understand what creationists are doing.
August 2014