In another paper at this conference, the present author outlined three approaches to issues of doubt and the relationship of each to the question of the age of the physical universe The first of these was the method of inquiry known as the scientific method involving a cycle of observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation and theory construction conducted within the domain of natural phenomena that are repeatably observable, testable and falsifiable.(l) (2) It was argued that the problem of cosmic antiquity is not properly a scientific question, because the development of the present universe is a one-time historical unfolding that cannot be repeated and tested and whose time frame, on anyone\u27s analysis, lies beyond the range of scientist-lifespans and thus the scope of observation. The residual evidence of the world\u27s historical development does exist in the present and Is available for careful study and analysis. On the basis of this research into presently existing data, creationist, researchers are discovering that a wealth of evidence exists which points to the conclusion of a recent cosmic origin. However, this conclusion cannot be put to direct scientific experimentation in the manner of a polio vaccine or airplane design, for instance, and so recent-creationism remains, In a strict sense, beyond the scope of science To test the concept, as well as contending points of view, one must weigh the various arguments and render judgment regarding the relative merits of each contender. The results of such a judgment process—the second approach discussed in the previous paper—are inevitably more equivocal than those obtained with questions within the proper and narrow domain of the scientific method
