N. Berdyaev’s Attitude toward J. Maritain and Thomism

Abstract

Nikolai Berdyaev’s philosophical outlook stemmed from Russian religious philosophy which denounced Western philosophy for its rationalism, notably Thomism. It was with this mindset, often abounding in prejudices, that Berdyaev struck up an acquaintance with the French Thomist Jacques Maritain. Their relationship almost immediately turned into friendship, and the friendship which Berdyaev cultivated from the very start with Maritain laid the foundation for the development of philosophical dialogue. Berdyaev thus softened his initial prejudices, and his hostile attitude toward Maritain’s Thomism was changed to a friendly one. Though he did make this essential shift for the sake of developing philosophical dialogue, Berdyaev, however, did not accept Thomism as such. Most of all he resented the rationalization of something which should remain a mystery — the mystery of faith, of creation and of God’s presence among us, but also of man’s existence, of his person and of his activity in the world.