Preliminary communication

Scientism and Complementarity of Philosophy and Theology

Stipe KUTLEŠA ; Institut za filozofiju, Zagreb

Abstract

The most appropriate way of examining the relationship between
philosophy and theology is from a scientific viewpoint since both are
sciences. They can both be examined, just like their relationship, from a
theological and philosophical perspective. It is therefore necessary that the
relationship between theology and philosophy is one of mutual dialogue.
Their true status can only be reached through ‘theologizing’ and
‘philosophising’. The example of a philosophical approach to the
relationship between philosophy and theology is Heidegger’s examination
of that very relationship. A philosopher investigates reality as a natural
reality, whilst a theologian investigates it as a supernatural reality. The
parallel between philosophy and theology can be seen in the fact that each
has its own theory of knowledge: noetics as a theory of knowledge about
the natural being, and fundamental theology or apologetics as a theory of
knowledge about the supernatural being. When it comes to the relationship
between faith and knowledge, there is still a predominant superficial
understanding according to which the increase of knowledge and the
progress of science render faith pointless and redundant. Faith, however, is not a blind and uncritical acceptance of something that is not known.
Knowledge is an integral part of faith just as faith is an integral part of
knowledge. This is not about confronting two basic sciences, philosophy
and theology, but about seeing if they both respect the criteria of science
according to which they can be merely compared. As a methodological
minimum, the criteria of absence of contradiction, correct deduction,
accuracy and intelligibility are suggested. Considering these, theology is no
less a science than other sciences. Philosophy is not a subordinate science
to theology, but is its supporting (assisting) science, whilst theology is not
possible without the philosophical opinion. Therefore, they are
complementary. The difference is that the unity of philosophers does not
lead to some ‘philosophical faith’ whilst a theologian confirms his opinion
before itself and before a community of believers.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

85336

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/85336

Publication date:

1.12.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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