John Paul II

Paper Summary:

The Pope's emphasis on the union of theology and philosophy in the quest for truth. His 1998 encyclical "Fides et Ratio: On the Relationship between Faith and Reason." Concept of mutual support of faith and reason. Principle of non-contradiction. Problem of reliance of science on reason alone. Universality of truths.

From the Paper:

"In his 1998 encyclical, Fides et Ratio: On the Relationship between Faith and Reason, John Paul II sought to re-emphasize the close bond that unites theological work and the philosophical quest for truth. Especially in the latter half of the twentieth century the supposed distance between these two forms of knowledge has been growing. The Pope "finds cause for alarm on the modern landscape, with its dominant features of skepticism, unbelief, and ethical uncertainty" and here he concentrates on the ways that a proper reunion of faith and reason can alleviate these problems (Thavis 11). Philosophy, which is based on reason, is seen by John Paul in a relationship of mutual support with theology, which is based on faith. They influence each other and "offer to each other a purifying critique and a stimulus to pursue the search for deeper understanding" (John ..."

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