[Jodie_Furlong]

While it's true that the concept of "natural" can be nuanced and subjective, it still holds relevance in certain contexts. When we talk about natural explanations, we generally refer to explanations grounded in observable patterns and phenomena within the natural world. Similarly, the term "supernatural" is used to describe phenomena that are beyond the scope of scientific understanding and empirical evidence.

While it's important to remain critical and open-minded in our approach to knowledge, dismissing the distinction between natural and supernatural explanations entirely may overlook important differences in the nature of phenomena. While everything may technically be part of nature, we often use these terms to differentiate between phenomena that can be explained through scientific methods and those that fall outside its purview.

In the pursuit of knowledge, it's crucial to consider various perspectives and avoid rigid classifications. However, it's also important to acknowledge the limitations of our current scientific understanding and remain open to exploring new possibilities.

[alancalverd]

Similarly, the term "supernatural" is used to describe phenomena that are beyond the scope of scientific understanding and empirical evidence.

Surely an observed phenomenon is empirical evidence, and therefore natural even if not easily explicable?

we often use these terms to differentiate between phenomena that can be explained through scientific methods and those that fall outside its purview.

Beware of conflating "can be" with "have been". The scientific method has no inherent limitation of scope as long as a phenomenon has been observed. We swim in a sea of ignorance, but still we swim.

[paul cotter]

As Alancalverd has intimated there is nothing in this universe that is not amenable to the scientific method. Science may or may not have an answer today but if it does not, that is no reason to say it's beyond the realm of science. Answer could, in principle, be found tomorrow. Supernatural refers to discredited ideas such as ghosts, telekinesis, remote viewing, future-telling and a host of other nonsensical rubbish for which there is zero evidence. As such the word "supernatural" should be consigned to the bin.

[Zer0]

Hello Jodie & Welcome to TNS!

Thanks for Contributing to the Supernatural thread by providing your Perspectives.

ps - Even if it was just a copy+paste, i suppose it's worth it.
(in a good spirit)