The God of philosophers
The question of God is particularly relevant today, regarding the so-called "return of religion", the revival of spiritualites, and sometimes the violence committed in the name of faith. Often these themes are addressed without reference to theology, and with an emphasis on the social and political dimensions of religions.
The term "theology" appears for the first time with Plato, in the context of paganism, but already with the idea that there can be a rational science of the divine. Later, philosophers (for example Thomas Aquinas, Descartes, Leibniz) sought to demonstrate the existence of God, while others (Pascal, Kant) condemned such attempts. Some, like Hegel, saw in the Christian religion the achievement of rationality, while others, like Nietzsche, proclaimed the "death of God".
God is therefore an object of conflict between philosophers, and one of the aims of this seminar is to clarify what is at stake. We will also ask ourselves what is the relationship between the God of philosophers and the God of believers, and whether faith and reason coincide or separate.
Suggested bibliography
Platon, République livres 2 et 3 (GF-Flammarion)
Lucrèce, De la nature (GF-Flammarion)
Thomas d’Aquin, Somme contre les Gentils, livre 1 (GF-Flammarion)
Descartes, Méditations métaphysiques, (3ème et 5ème) Livre de poche
Pascal, Pensées, GF-Flammarion
Leibniz, Essais de théodicée, GF-Flammarion
Nietzsche, le Gai savoir, GF-Flammarion
- Teaching coordinator: Foessel Michaël