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 student is expected to present a written work of ten pages taking bearing from the reading of the proposed commentary in the reading file. Having sent this work by mail, the student will in return receive a question on the sent work which he or she has to prepare in readiness for the oral examination.

Presentation of the question during the oral exam takes the duration of fifteen minutes.

The written work can be done in French, English, Spanish, or German, in agreement with the Professor.

/

The course intends to discuss the main characteristics of procedural ethics (Rawls, Habermas) and pragmatist ethics ( Rorty) concerning the relation between religion and public space. Following this purpose, we will study more specifically these authors' theories of law in order to understand the way forms of religious life can be regulated in multicultural societies.

Maesschalck M., Larouche J.-M., Jobin G. (éds), « La religion dans l'espace public », Numéro spécial de Ethique publique, 8/1 (2006).

Maesschalck M., « La philosophie de la religion et le tournant pragmatiste des sciences sociales », in Archivio di filosofia, LXXV/1-2 (2007), pp. 397- 412.

Maesschalck M., « Paul Ric'ur et les éthiques procédurales », in Revue d'histoire et de philosophie religieuses, 86/1, pp. 67-96.

Kanabus B. et Maréchal J. (dir.), Dire la croyance religieuse. Langage, religion et société, Bruxelles, Peter Lang, coll. Anthropologie et philosophie sociale, 2012.

/