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Miracles

Timothy McGrew · 2019 · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Spiritual Evidence Map/Last updated May 10, 2026/Claims v1.0.0-provisional/Sources v1.0.0/Scores provisional

Summary

Detailed entry on the philosophical analysis of miracles — definition, evidential standards, Hume's argument from the Enquiry, and contemporary Bayesian replies (Earman, Swinburne).

Why it matters here

Default reference for the miracles claim's epistemic status; covers the Humean argument and the modern probabilistic responses.

Linked claims

Evidence score 2/10

Miracles — divine suspensions of natural law

Reported across every religious tradition. A small number of well-documented unexplained cures (Lourdes Medical Bureau) survive scrutiny; the inference to 'divine action' is a separate, much larger step.

Related evidence hubs

Topic hub

Mystical & Altered States

Psychedelic, contemplative, and out-of-body experiences and what they may reveal.

Evidence pillar

Religion & traditions

World religions and traditions, scored as systems.

Evidence pillar

Mystical experiences

Psychedelic, contemplative, out-of-body experience.