The Sciences, Their Roots, and Their Interconnections: James K. A. Smith Between Dooyeweerdian Philosophy and Radical Orthodoxy

Abstract In this paper, we examine James K. A. Smith’s critique of the approaches of Herman Dooyeweerd and radical orthodoxy to the encyclopedia of the sciences. The latter phrase refers to the study of the relations among sciences and the relations between the sciences and their prescientific presuppositions. We evaluate Smith’s critique of these approaches and his attempt to find a “third way.” We argue that, while Smith’s critique of radical orthodoxy is well founded, his interpretation of Dooyeweerd warrants further examination. We aim to assess the viability of Smith’s approach in offering a better understanding of the encyclopedic relationship between sciences from a Christian perspective. Although Smith’s model seeks to address important issues, it is not clear that it constitutes a marked improvement, and it raises some additional points for discussion.