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The evil. The constant challenge for philosophy and theology
Joachim Valentin
; Center "Haus am Dom" in Frankfurt am Main
Sažetak
In the first part of his paper „evil as actual challenge for philosophy and theology“ Joachim Valentin analyses public discussions on evil as well as its meaning in everyday life. When it comes to its description and the analysis of its origin as well as to the way of dealing with the evil practically, Valentin states, the debate on evil is under-determined. However, in the history of the occidental reflecting on evil we find concepts that need not to fear the comparison and the debate with actual answers to the phenomenon. Valentin outlines the history of ideas on evil in theology and philosophy by notably illustrating classic ancient models, the monotheistic tradition and the concept of Immanuel Kant. Following the logic of Kant, who uses Christian metaphors, delivery from evil can’t result from man himself but only from a universal heavenly love that can take place in human action. Finally Valentin refers on the radical evil or “negatives Absolutes” which is expressed in the term “Auschwitz”. He argues that there is no adequate option to call on an almighty God to abolish the evil. Likewise it is in view of the radical and substantial nature of evil in “Auschwitz” impossible to postulate the thesis of privatio boni (“evil has no own substance, it rises from a lack of the good”). Facing the radical evil in Auschwitz gives theology a subversive and critical touch towards metaphysics as already indicated by life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From this viewpoint a theological critique on power and ideology could take the place of today’s hackneyed philosophical critique: those who are in power are not only running the risk of creating their own mighty God but also taking the place of an ulterior God on earth by themselves.
Ključne riječi
evil; history of ideas; theology; philosophy; Kant; Nietzsche; Auschwitz; Christology
Hrčak ID:
115395
URI
Datum izdavanja:
30.1.2014.
Posjeta: 2.631 *