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Chapter 1: Religion Beyond Reason: Faith and Irrationality. Introducing Philosophy, 10th edition Robert C. Solomon, Kathleen Higgins, and Clancy Martin. God as Experience.
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Chapter 1: ReligionBeyond Reason: Faith and Irrationality Introducing Philosophy, 10th edition Robert C. Solomon, Kathleen Higgins, and Clancy Martin
God as Experience • The Islamic mystics (or Sufis) argue that rationalist and mystical experiences lead to the same truths by different “paths” • Friedrich Schleiermacher insisted that religion is simply a matter of intense feelings of dependence
William James argued that, although ineffable, mystic experience gives knowledge • James’ argument is similar to an argument by Sufi philosopher Mohammad al-Ghazali
Leap of Faith • Kierkegaard admitted Christian doctrines are absurd • However, it is the absurdity that makes passionate faith possible • The “inwardness” of the subjective experience requires a “leap of faith”
God as Ultimate Concern • Paul Tillich proposed an “irrational” Christianity • Abandon traditional notion of God • Focus on strictly personal concerns • God is the symbol of “ultimate concern” • God represents one’s meaningful existence