What is the fundamental definition of Fideism as an epistemological theory?

Fideism is an epistemological theory that asserts faith is independent of reason. It can also maintain that reason and faith are in opposition, with faith being superior for arriving at certain truths, especially in the context of natural theology. Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge, its nature, and its justification.

From what Latin word does the term 'fideism' originate, and what does it literally mean?

The word 'fideism' originates from the Latin word 'fides', which means 'faith'. Therefore, it literally translates to 'faith-ism'.

What are the different forms of fideism identified by philosophers?

Philosophers have identified various forms of fideism. These include strict fideism, which holds that reason has no role in discovering theological truths, and moderate fideism, which suggests that while some truth can be known through reason, faith ultimately stands above reason.

Which philosophers are historically most commonly associated with fideism, often in a negative sense?

Historically, fideism is most commonly attributed to four philosophers: Søren Kierkegaard, Blaise Pascal, William James, and Ludwig Wittgenstein. This label was often applied by their opponents and is not always fully supported by their own writings or their followers' interpretations.

How did Immanuel Kant's philosophy relate to a qualified form of fideism?

A qualified form of fideism is sometimes attributed to Immanuel Kant, stemming from his famous suggestion that one must 'deny knowledge in order to make room for faith'. This implies a recognition of the limits of reason in certain domains, making space for belief.

How does Alvin Plantinga define 'fideism'?

Alvin Plantinga defines 'fideism' as 'the exclusive or basic reliance upon faith alone, accompanied by a consequent disparagement of reason and is used especially in the pursuit of philosophical or religious truth'. This means a fideist prioritizes faith over reason in matters of philosophy and religion.

What is the primary objective of a fideist according to Alvin Plantinga?

According to Alvin Plantinga, the primary objective of a fideist is to seek truth. They affirm that reason is incapable of achieving certain kinds of truth, which must instead be accepted solely through faith.

What is the relationship between the doctrine of fideism and various theories of truth?

The doctrine of fideism is consistent with some theories of truth, while being radically contrary to others. The article lists several major theories of truth, including correspondence theory, pragmatic theory, constructivist epistemology, consensus theory, coherence theory, and subjectivism.

What fideistic concept did Tertullian teach, and what famous quote is associated with him?

Tertullian taught fideistic concepts similar to later philosophers like William of Ockham and Søren Kierkegaard. A famous quote from his work *De Carne Christi* (On the Flesh of Christ) states, 'the Son of God died; it is by all means to be believed, because it is absurd.' This highlights the idea of believing in something precisely because it defies rational explanation.

Why is the statement 'Credo quia absurdum' sometimes considered a misquotation when attributed to Tertullian?

The statement 'Credo quia absurdum' (I believe because it is absurd) is sometimes considered a misquotation of Tertullian. It has been argued that Tertullian was actually critiquing intellectual arrogance and the misuse of philosophy, while still remaining committed to the usefulness of reason in defending faith.

What was William of Ockham's stance on belief in God and proofs of God's existence?

William of Ockham was a fideist who held that belief in God is exclusively a matter of faith, not knowledge. Consequently, he denied all alleged rational proofs for God's existence.

How did Martin Luther view the relationship between faith and reason regarding Christian mysteries?

Martin Luther taught that faith guides the Christian's use of reason. He stated that 'All the articles of our Christian faith, which God has revealed to us in His Word, are in presence of reason sheerly impossible, absurd, and false,' and that 'Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has.' This suggests a strong separation between the two in matters of divine revelation.

Under what conditions did Martin Luther concede the use of reason for Christians?

Luther conceded that reason could be used in its proper domain when it is grounded upon faith in Christ. In this context, reason serves piety as an excellent instrument, receiving life from faith and helping faith to advance, much like natural endowments can serve salvation in the godly.

What is Pascal's Wager, and how does it relate to fideism?

Pascal's Wager is a rational argument that proposes a pragmatic view of God's existence. It invites an atheist to consider faith in God as a choice with potential reward and no cost, without attempting to prove God's actual existence. This approach is considered a form of fideism because it suggests that the decision to believe is valuable even without rational proof of God's existence.

What limitation did the article identify regarding Pascal's Wager?

The article notes that a problem with Pascal's Wager is that it does not restrict itself to a specific god, even though Pascal himself had the Christian God in mind.

What did Blaise Pascal write in his *Pensées* about Christians providing reasons for their beliefs?

In his *Pensées*, Blaise Pascal wrote that Christians should not be blamed for not being able to give reasons for their beliefs, as they profess a religion they cannot explain. He stated that they declare it to be 'foolishness' (*stultitiam*) and that their lack of proofs demonstrates they are not lacking in sense, implying faith transcends rational explanation.

Why did Pascal consider proposed proofs of God's existence irrelevant?

Pascal considered proposed proofs of God's existence irrelevant because, even if valid, the beings they might demonstrate would not align with the deity worshipped by historical faiths. He believed such proofs could easily lead to deism, a belief in a distant, impersonal God, rather than a revealed religion, famously stating, 'The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—not the god of the philosophers!'

Who is considered the father of modern antirationalism, and what view did he promote?

Johann Georg Hamann is considered the father of modern antirationalism. He promoted the view that faith alone should be the sole guide for human conduct.

How did Hamann use David Hume's work to support his arguments for faith?

Johann Georg Hamann used David Hume's work to argue that all human actions are ultimately based on faith. He contended that without faith, such as in the existence of an external world (which cannot be proven), human affairs could not continue, thus implying that all reasoning fundamentally stems from this inherent faith.

What was Hamann's criticism of philosophical systems like Spinozism?

Hamann criticized systems like Spinozism because he believed they attempted to confine what he considered the infinite majesty of God into a finite human creation, thereby limiting the divine through rational constructs.

What was a key point of agreement between Immanuel Kant and Johann Georg Hamann regarding knowledge of God?

A key point of agreement between Immanuel Kant and Johann Georg Hamann was the view that reason is incapable of attaining knowledge of God's existence or the immortality of the soul.

What was the main difference between Kant and Hamann despite their agreement on the limits of reason?

Despite their agreement on the limits of reason in knowing God, the main difference was that Kant did not believe this limitation led to antirationalism, whereas Hamann did. Kant sought to make room for faith, not to abandon reason entirely.

Why is Søren Kierkegaard sometimes considered a fideist by natural theologians?

Søren Kierkegaard is sometimes considered a fideist by natural theologians because he argued that God's existence cannot be known with certainty, and that the decision to embrace faith does not require, nor is it founded upon, rational justification.

What is significant about the authorship of many of Kierkegaard's works?

Many of Kierkegaard's works, including *Fear and Trembling*, were published under pseudonyms. These pseudonyms may represent fictional authors whose views align with hypothetical philosophical positions, not necessarily Kierkegaard's own personal beliefs.

How did Kierkegaard use the story of Abraham and Isaac in *Fear and Trembling* to illustrate the problem of faith?

In *Fear and Trembling*, Kierkegaard used Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac to highlight the problem of faith. He noted that while New Testament apostles saw Abraham's act as an admirable display of faith, to a non-believer, it would appear as an unjustifiable attempted murder or an insane delusion, thus demonstrating faith's paradoxical nature.

What did Kierkegaard mean by the 'absolute paradox' in relation to Christian belief?

Kierkegaard meant that believing in the incarnation of Christ, or God made flesh, was to believe in the 'absolute paradox'. This is because it implies that an eternal, perfect being would become a simple human, a phenomenon that reason cannot possibly comprehend and therefore requires a 'leap of faith' to accept.

What concept did William James introduce, and how did it relate to religious questions?

American pragmatic philosopher and psychologist William James introduced the concept of the 'will to believe' in 1896. He argued that some religious questions can only be answered by first believing, as one cannot know if religious doctrines are true without seeing if they 'work,' which requires initial belief.

What are William James's four key characteristics of religious experience, and what do they imply about discussing religious belief?

William James identified four key characteristics of religious experience: 'passivity,' 'ineffability,' 'a noetic quality,' and 'transiency.' Because religious experience is fundamentally ineffable (incapable of being expressed in words), it implies that a coherent discussion of it using public language is impossible, meaning reason does not affect faith. Instead, faith is found through spiritual experience, and understanding is gained through its practice.

How did Kai Nielsen characterize 'Wittgensteinian fideism' in his 1967 article?

In his 1967 article 'Wittgensteinian Fideism,' Kai Nielsen argued that certain aspects of Ludwig Wittgenstein's thought were interpreted by Wittgensteinians in a fideistic manner. This interpretation posits that religion is a self-contained and primarily expressive endeavor, governed by its own internal logic or 'grammar,' making religious concepts self-referential and immune to external criticism.

What was Ludwig Wittgenstein's view on the relationship between Christianity and historical truth?

Ludwig Wittgenstein stated that 'Christianity is not based on historical truth; rather, it offers us a historical narrative and says: now believe!' He emphasized that one should not approach it with the same attitude as other historical narratives, and that even if the historical accounts in the Gospel were demonstrably false, belief would lose nothing by this.

With what concept is Lev Shestov associated regarding religious truth?

Lev Shestov is associated with radical fideism, which maintains that religious truth can only be acquired by completely rejecting reason.

What is presuppositional apologetics, and how does it attempt to differentiate itself from fideism?

Presuppositional apologetics is a Christian apologetics system, primarily associated with Calvinist Protestantism, that seeks to distinguish itself from fideism. It asserts that all human thought must begin with the axiomatic proposition that the revelation contained in the Bible is true, arguing that without this foundation, human experience cannot be coherently understood.

How do presuppositional apologists engage with non-believers regarding the truth about God?

Presuppositional apologists attempt to demonstrate the incoherence of the epistemic foundations of logical alternatives for non-believers, who reject the Bible as the source of truth about God, the world, and themselves. They do this using the 'transcendental argument for God's existence' (TAG).

What unique claim did Cornelius Van Til, a presuppositional apologist, make about human belief in God?

Cornelius Van Til, a presuppositional apologist, made the unique claim that a condition of true unbelief is impossible. He asserted that all people, whether they admit it or deny it, actually believe in God, even if only on a subconscious level.

How is presuppositional apologetics generally categorized in relation to foundationalism and fideism?

Presuppositional apologetics is generally seen as being more closely allied with foundationalism than with fideism, although it has sometimes been critical of both philosophical approaches.

What is the official stance of Catholic doctrine regarding fideism?

Catholic doctrine officially rejects fideism, with condemnations of the theory dating back to 1348. The Catholic Church maintains that God's existence can indeed be demonstrated through reason.

According to the *Catechism of the Catholic Church*, what are the capabilities and limitations of human reason in knowing God?

The *Catechism of the Catholic Church* teaches that human reason is strictly capable by its own natural power and light of attaining true and certain knowledge of the one personal God and the natural law. However, it also states that many obstacles, such as the impact of senses, imagination, and disordered appetites resulting from original sin, hinder reason from effectively and fruitfully using this innate faculty, leading people to easily persuade themselves that unwelcome truths are false or doubtful.

What is the concept of 'signs of contradiction' within Catholic thought, and how does it relate to fideism?

Within Catholic thought, 'signs of contradiction' refers to the belief that the holiness of certain individuals and institutions is affirmed by the opposition they face, drawing a comparison to the opposition Jesus Christ encountered. While this opposition does not inherently prove truth, it serves as an additional possible indication of truth, relating to the idea that fallen human nature can distort reason, causing it to go astray.

Why do some theologians criticize fideism as being a 'sin' or 'blind faith'?

Some theologians criticize fideism, arguing that it is not a proper way to worship God. They contend that if one does not attempt to understand what one believes, it does not constitute true faith, labeling such an approach as 'blind faith'.

Which notable figures articulated the position that 'blind faith' is not true faith?

Notable articulations of the position that 'blind faith' is not true faith include Peter Abelard in his work *Sic et Non* and Lord Herbert in his work *De Veritate*.

What is a common criticism against fideism regarding its potential societal impact?

A common criticism against fideism is that it can potentially lead to relativism, suggesting that if truth is solely based on individual faith without rational grounding, then all beliefs could be equally valid, leading to a lack of objective standards.

What argument is made in favor of reason in contrast to fideism?

In contrast to fideism, an argument for reason highlights its successful application in people's daily lives for solving problems. It is noted that reason has led to an increase in knowledge, particularly within the sphere of science.

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Overview

Defining Fideism

Fideism, derived from the Latin word fides meaning "faith," is an epistemological theory asserting that faith operates independently of reason. In some interpretations, it posits that faith is even superior to reason in apprehending specific truths, particularly within philosophical or religious domains.^[1]

Faith Versus Reason

The core of fideism lies in its stance on the relationship between faith and reason. While some theologians and philosophers argue for a harmonious interplay, fideism often suggests a tension or even hostility between the two. Alvin Plantinga defines fideism as "the exclusive or basic reliance upon faith alone, accompanied by a consequent disparagement of reason, especially in the pursuit of philosophical or religious truth."^[7]

Forms of Fideism

Philosophers distinguish between various forms of fideism:

Strict Fideism: Maintains that reason has no legitimate role in discovering theological truths.
Moderate Fideism: Acknowledges that some truths might be accessible through reason, but ultimately asserts faith's preeminence over reason.^[3]

The central tenet remains that certain truths, particularly those concerning metaphysical ideas, morality, and religious beliefs, must be accepted through faith, as reason is deemed insufficient.^[6]

Key Thinkers

Early Proponents

Historically, several influential figures have been associated with fideistic concepts, though the label was often applied by opponents and may not fully capture their nuanced views.

Tertullian: Known for the phrase "Credo quia absurdum" ("I believe because it is absurd"), often misquoted. While he critiqued intellectual arrogance, he also valued reason in defending faith.^[3]^[1]
William of Ockham: Held that belief in God is solely a matter of faith, not knowledge, leading him to reject traditional proofs of God's existence.^[12]^[3]
Martin Luther: Argued that Christian faith informs the use of reason, stating that Christian mysteries are "sheerly impossible, absurd, and false" to reason alone. Yet, he also saw reason as an "excellent instrument" when grounded in faith.^[13]

Pascal's Wager

Blaise Pascal introduced a pragmatic argument for God's existence known as Pascal's Wager. He suggested that choosing faith in God is a cost-free decision with potential infinite reward, without attempting to logically prove God's existence.^[14]^[15] Pascal famously distinguished between the God of philosophers and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, implying that rational proofs often fall short of the deity of historical faiths.^[16]

Modern Perspectives

Johann Georg Hamann: Considered a father of modern anti-rationalism, he argued that all human conduct is ultimately based on faith, even in the existence of an external world. He believed attempts to base belief in God on reason were futile.^[17]^[18]
Immanuel Kant: A qualified form of fideism is attributed to Kant, particularly his suggestion to "deny knowledge in order to make room for faith." He believed reason could not attain knowledge of God's existence, though he did not advocate for anti-rationalism.^[5]^[19]
Søren Kierkegaard: A key figure in Christian existentialism, Kierkegaard emphasized the "absolute paradox" of Christian belief, such as the incarnation of Christ. He argued that such truths cannot be grasped by reason and require a "leap of faith," exemplified by Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac.^[20]
William James: His "will to believe" concept suggested that some religious questions can only be answered by initial belief. He posited that religious experience is fundamentally ineffable, making rational discussion of religious belief impossible; understanding comes through spiritual practice.^[21]
Ludwig Wittgenstein: Interpreted by some as a "Wittgensteinian fideist," he viewed religion as a self-contained enterprise governed by its own internal logic, immune to external criticism. He stated that Christianity is not based on historical truth in the conventional sense, but demands belief "through thick and thin."^[4]^[21]
Lev Shestov: Associated with radical fideism, he maintained that religious truth is only attainable by actively rejecting reason.^[22]

Theories of Truth

Fideism and Epistemology

Fideism's assertion that faith can be a primary or exclusive path to truth aligns with, or stands in radical opposition to, various established theories of truth. Understanding these relationships is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of fideistic thought.

While fideism itself is an epistemological stance, its compatibility or conflict with other theories of truth is a subject of ongoing philosophical debate. Theories often considered in relation to fideism include:

Correspondence Theory of Truth: Truth is what corresponds to reality. Fideism might argue that certain realities (e.g., divine) are not accessible to empirical correspondence.
Pragmatic Theory of Truth: Truth is what works or is useful. Pascal's Wager exemplifies a pragmatic approach to belief, suggesting that believing in God is valuable regardless of rational proof.
Constructivist Epistemology: Knowledge is constructed by individuals or communities. Fideism could align if faith is seen as a communal construction of truth.
Consensus Theory of Truth: Truth is what is agreed upon by a group. This might apply to shared religious beliefs within a faith community.
Coherence Theory of Truth: Truth is what coheres with a system of beliefs. Fideism might argue for the internal coherence of a faith system, independent of external rational validation.
Subjectivism: Truth is relative to the individual. Radical fideism might lean towards subjectivism if faith is purely a personal, unreasoned conviction.

Presuppositional Apologetics

This Christian apologetic system, primarily associated with Calvinist Protestantism, attempts to differentiate itself from fideism. It posits that all human thought must begin with the axiomatic proposition that the revelation in the Bible is true. Without this foundational presupposition, it argues, one cannot coherently interpret any human experience.^[23]

While it emphasizes a foundational belief, it employs the "transcendental argument for God's existence" (TAG) to demonstrate the incoherence of alternative epistemic foundations for non-believers. Some proponents, like Cornelius Van Til, even suggest that true unbelief is impossible, as all individuals inherently believe in God, consciously or subconsciously.^[23]

Critiques

Fideism as Sin

Many theologians criticize fideism, arguing that it represents an improper way to worship or relate to God. This perspective suggests that a "blind faith" lacking any attempt at understanding is not genuine faith. Notable proponents of this view include:

Peter Abelard: In his work Sic et Non, he emphasized the importance of questioning and rational inquiry in theological matters.
Lord Herbert of Cherbury: In De Veritate, he argued for universal innate truths accessible through reason, contrasting with a reliance solely on faith.

These critiques underscore the idea that true belief should involve intellectual engagement and a pursuit of understanding, rather than a mere uncritical acceptance.

Risk of Relativism

A significant criticism leveled against fideism is its potential to lead to relativism.^[26] If truth is solely dependent on individual faith or an internal, unreasoned conviction, then there is a risk that all beliefs become equally valid, with no objective standard for discernment. This could undermine the very concept of universal truth, leading to a fragmented understanding of reality where conflicting beliefs cannot be reconciled or evaluated.

The Case for Reason

Critics of fideism often highlight the undeniable success of reason in various aspects of human endeavor. The consistent application of rational thought has led to profound advancements in knowledge, particularly within the scientific domain. From solving complex daily problems to developing sophisticated scientific theories, reason has proven its efficacy in understanding the natural world and improving human conditions. This practical success of reason is often presented as a compelling argument against any philosophical stance that would diminish its role in the pursuit of truth.

Catholic Stance

Official Rejection

Catholic doctrine explicitly rejects fideism, with condemnations dating back to 1348.^[24] The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that God's existence can be demonstrably known through natural reason, observing the created world as a cause from its effects.^[24]

The Anti-Modernist oath, promulgated by Pope Pius X, required Catholics to affirm that "God, the origin and end of all things, can be known with certainty by the natural light of reason from the created world... and that, therefore, his existence can also be demonstrated."

Fides et Ratio

Pope John Paul II's encyclical Fides et Ratio further reinforces this position. It asserts that God's existence is indeed demonstrable by reason and warns against "a resurgence of fideism, which fails to recognize the importance of rational knowledge and philosophical discourse for the understanding of faith, indeed for the very possibility of belief in God." The encyclical acknowledges obstacles to reason, such as the impact of senses, imagination, and disordered appetites, which can lead individuals to dismiss truths they find unpalatable.^[24]

Fideist Currents

Despite the official rejection, some currents within Catholic thought exhibit elements that might be perceived as fideistic, such as the concept of "signs of contradiction." This belief suggests that the holiness of certain individuals or institutions can be affirmed by the opposition they face, drawing a comparison to the opposition encountered by Jesus Christ.^[25] While not proving truth inherently, this opposition is seen as an additional indicator of truth, acknowledging that fallen human nature can distort reason, causing it to err.

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References

Amesbury 2005, section 2.2.

Amesbury 2005, section 1.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Fideism Wikipedia page

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The Unseen Path

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Overview ℹ️

💡 Defining Fideism

⚖️ Faith Versus Reason

📜 Forms of Fideism

Key Thinkers 🧠

🏛️ Early Proponents

🎲 Pascal's Wager

🌌 Modern Perspectives

Theories of Truth 🤔

🧩 Fideism and Epistemology

🛡️ Presuppositional Apologetics

Critiques ❌

🚫 Fideism as Sin

🌀 Risk of Relativism

🔬 The Case for Reason

Catholic Stance ⛪

🚫 Official Rejection

📖 Fides et Ratio

➕ Fideist Currents

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Defining Fideism

Faith Versus Reason

Forms of Fideism

Key Thinkers

Early Proponents

Pascal's Wager

Modern Perspectives

Theories of Truth

Fideism and Epistemology

Presuppositional Apologetics

Critiques

Fideism as Sin

Risk of Relativism

The Case for Reason

Catholic Stance

Official Rejection

Fides et Ratio

Fideist Currents

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice