Philosophy of Religion B [ LFILO2131 ]

Religion belongs to human culture and thus has a general impact on man and, especially, involving man's reflection on his condition. This in particular establishes the philosophy of religion's place. Far removed from any positivist temptation (fundamentalism, fideism), this discipline ensures the believer as to the general conditions of religion in relation to thought. It moreover offers the unbeliever an approach to religion in its status as a thought system in cooperation with the human sciences. A Philosophy of Religion course takes its inspiration from the major precursors (Kant, Schelling, Hegel, etc...; as well as theologians when they express themselves as philosophers: Origen, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, etc...). It seeks to arm against any confusing of theology and religious philosophy.

Be capable of explaining the relationship of philosophy and religion, while respecting both the originality of religion and philosophy's right to reflect on religion.

The course on Philosophy of Religion will be held in two parts during the academic year 2010-2011. One part (during March) considers the work of the holder of the Cardinal Mercier Chair, currently Professor Rémi Brague (Paris I and Munich ' Institut de France). The theme of the lessons is the legitimacy of the human being.  His work Du Dieu des chrétiens et d'un ou deux autres (2008) will be the major topic of the second part in FILO 2900. This work will be contrasted with two major books by Jean-Luc Nancy : La déclosion (2005) and L'adoration (2010), which will enable us to consider the question of 'deconstructing' Christianity, its relevance and impact. As a counterpoint, Michel Henry's phenomenological system will be put forward as a different 'example' of a similar attempt at deconstruction. The examination for this course will take the form of a paper, the subject of which is to be chosen after discussion with the lecturer.