克尔凯郭尔“The Leap of Faith and the Limits of Reason”.pptVIP

Kierkegaard, “The Leap of Faith and the Limits of Reason” Late 19th C. Danish philosopher Christian existentialist Argues that it is not possible to prove the existence of God through reason, since it is difficult to prove the existence of anything. Paradox of Reason We cannot prove the existence of God, nor that God does not exist, yet we are constantly moved to attempt to decide the issue. Kierkegaard’s Argument The only way that we can prove God’s existence is to begin by presupposing it. But since this is question-begging, such a method cannot rationally demonstrate God’s existence. Thus to believe in God or even to make the attempt to understand the nature of God is to make a leap of faith. Then one can begin to understand God’s purpose. James, “The Will to Believe” Thesis: logic or reason is not incompatible with faith. Some distinctions A hypothesis is an assertion. either live or dead: live if it is at all possible or credible for someone; otherwise it is dead. An option is a choice between two hypotheses. living if either of the possibilities is live. Option is forced if the choice cannot be avoided. Option is momentous only if it is crucial that we act on one or the other options. The Religious Hypotheses 1. The best things are the eternal things. 2. Better to believe in Religion even if false. James’ Argument P1. God’s existence is a living option. P2. Religion is a momentous option. P3. It is a forced option. P4. To choose not to believe in religion (God) is to think it is better to fear being wrong more than hope for the possibility of eternal good. P5. But this cannot be right. James’ Argument, cont. C1. Therefore holding the religious hypothesis is to be preferred to any alternative. P6. Religion is the kind of hypothesis which we can only see to be true if we accept it first. C2. Thus, it is a kind of truth which we cannot see if we are skeptical of it. James’ Argument, cont. P7. Any rule that prevents us from being able to apprehend a kin