Original scientific paper

ALBERT SCHWEITZER'S VENERATION OF LIFE

Anđelko Domazet ; Faculty of Theology, Split

Abstract

Starting from the notion of “veneration of life” the author's intends to present Albert Schweitzer's thoughts about ethics and its relation to religion and culture. The theological background of an ethics of veneration of life is Christ's command of love extended to the universal (including all creatures). The central philosophical notion needed for a correct unterstanding of the basic idea of a veneration of life is the will. Ethics so far has been concerned only with the man–to–man relationship, but it should also include man's attitude towards animals, i.e. towards every form of life. However, the principle of veneration of life should not be misunderstood as if man were equal with all other living creatures in a vitalist sense. The nature does not know a veneration of life. The ethics of veneration of life attempts at establishing a unity between the mystic depth and ethical acting, i.e. the practical responsibility in the world. The veneration of life is a Christian category, but also a category concerned with humanity.

Keywords

compassion; ethics; faith; life; mysticism; nature; reason; responsibility; veneration; will

Hrčak ID:

141717

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/141717

Publication date:

15.1.2000.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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