Meaning: The quote "According to the scientific naturalist version of cosmic history, nature is a permanently closed system of material effects that can never be influenced by something from outside - like God, for example." by Phillip Johnson, an educator, touches on the concept of scientific naturalism and its implications for the understanding of the natural world.

Scientific naturalism is a philosophical viewpoint that holds that the natural world operates according to natural laws and principles, and can be understood through empirical investigation and scientific inquiry. This perspective rejects supernatural or divine explanations for natural phenomena, and instead emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning and observation.

In the context of cosmic history, scientific naturalism posits that the universe and all its phenomena can be explained through natural processes and physical laws, without the need for invoking supernatural or divine intervention. This viewpoint suggests that the universe is a closed system, meaning that it operates according to internal mechanisms and principles, and is not influenced by external forces or entities.

The idea of nature as a "permanently closed system of material effects" reflects the naturalistic perspective that the universe is self-contained and self-regulating, with all phenomena and events being the result of material causes and processes. This view stands in contrast to supernatural or religious interpretations of cosmic history, which attribute the origins and workings of the universe to divine will or intervention.

The statement that nature "can never be influenced by something from outside - like God, for example" highlights the fundamental premise of scientific naturalism that the natural world is autonomous and self-sustaining, without the need for external or supernatural explanations. In this view, the concept of God or any other external deity is seen as irrelevant to the understanding and explanation of natural phenomena and cosmic history.

Phillip Johnson, as an educator, has been known for his critique of scientific naturalism and advocacy for intelligent design, a concept that posits the existence of an intelligent designer as an explanation for the complexity and diversity of life. Johnson's work has been influential in the debate over evolution, creationism, and the role of naturalism in shaping scientific inquiry and education.

In the broader context of the ongoing dialogue between science and religion, the quote raises important questions about the relationship between naturalistic explanations of the universe and theistic or religious beliefs. It reflects the tension between naturalistic accounts of cosmic history, which emphasize empirical evidence and natural explanations, and religious or supernatural perspectives, which attribute the origins and workings of the universe to divine agency.

From a philosophical standpoint, the quote prompts consideration of the boundaries of scientific inquiry and the limitations of naturalistic explanations. It also invites reflection on the nature of causality, agency, and the metaphysical implications of scientific naturalism.

In conclusion, the quote by Phillip Johnson encapsulates the core tenets of scientific naturalism and its implications for understanding cosmic history. It underscores the naturalistic perspective that the universe operates as a closed system of material effects, independent of external influence such as divine intervention. The quote prompts critical reflection on the relationship between scientific naturalism and religious or supernatural worldviews, and invites further exploration of the philosophical and metaphysical implications of these contrasting perspectives.