Philosophy of Religion Research
Investigating the Relationship between Authority of the Reason and Illuminationist Epistemology in the Fideism of Contemporary Man
Document Type : Short Paper
Author
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The authority of reason and the effect of the gradual evolution of the brain on faith have been the focus of modern evolutionist philosophy. Having mental faculties and being rational are the highest characteristics of human beings. In terms of practical reason, empirical evidence has clarified the relationship between the soul and the mind, and consequently spiritual experiences and the brain. Faith must undoubtedly be supported by rational arguments if it contains epistemic beliefs. Even though cognitive faculties can provide basic empirical evidence that is acceptable to evidentialists, illumination and intuition seem to be more substantial in subjective studies of the faith. Faith and reason complement each other, and both are necessary for excellence as two synergic truths; where reason has left the matters of the ultimate concern unresolved, faith has played its part in the conduct of life. Conventional activities of reason are limited by the limitations of the reason itself and its autonomy. In spite of the fact that faith lies beyond reason, the role that reason plays in improving the condition of modern man, who is in dire need of faith and spirituality for the continuation of his individual and social life, cannot be discounted. As a result, the items that lead to the strengthening of both reason and faith need to be included in formal education.
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