The Assignment Is To Write An Essay On A Philosopher

The Assignment Is To Write An Essay Upon A Philosopher That Wasnot Dis

The assignment is to write an essay upon a philosopher that was not discussed in this course. I want you to find a historic philosopher whom you find interesting and summarize their philosophical view or a finer point of their philosophy. Do you agree with this philosopher? Why or why not? If you need help with starting research, I would look at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

The essay should be 3-4 pages in length (not counting sources, headings, cover page, etc.), double-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins all the way around. This is not going to be a long essay, so you are going to have to be parsimonious with your words. DUE DATE: DECEMBER 6, 2017

Paper For Above instruction

In this essay, I will explore the philosophical contributions of the 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Schleiermacher, whose ideas on religion, consciousness, and human essence offer valuable insights that continue to influence contemporary philosophical thought. Schleiermacher's emphasis on the experiential basis of religion and his attempts to reconcile religious feeling with philosophical rationalism merit detailed examination. I will also articulate my own perspective on his philosophy, evaluating the strengths and limitations of his views.

Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768–1834) is often regarded as one of the founders of modern theology and a pivotal figure in the development of liberal Christian thought. His philosophical approach combines elements of Kantian epistemology with a profound focus on human consciousness and the subjective experience of religion. Central to Schleiermacher's philosophy is the idea that religious consciousness is rooted in immediate feeling—an intuitive sense of dependence on the divine, which he describes as “religious feeling.” Unlike traditional dogmatic approaches that emphasize doctrines and scripture, Schleiermacher argues that authentic religion originates from an inward, personal experience that transcends rational analysis.

Schleiermacher posits that human beings possess an inherent sense of dependence, which manifests as a feeling of absolute dependence on the divine. This feeling is not merely subjective but constitutes the core of religious consciousness. In his seminal work, “On Religion: Speeches to its Cultured Despisers,” he contends that religion is the deeply personal, immediate experience of feeling divine presence, rather than adherence to external rituals or doctrines. This perspective shifts the focus from institutional religion to individual experience, underlining the importance of subjective interpretation and inner life.

Analyzing Schleiermacher's view, I find his emphasis on the subjective and experiential nature of religion compelling, as it aligns with modern understandings of spirituality and personal belief systems. However, I also recognize potential limitations—namely, that reliance solely on feeling may undermine the objectivity and universality of religious truth. While personal experience is undeniably significant, it can vary widely among individuals, raising questions about the grounds for shared religious truths across diverse communities.

Moreover, Schleiermacher's reconciliation of faith and reason suggests that authentic religion emerges from a harmony between outward rationality and inward feeling. His approach advocates for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of religion, emphasizing personal authenticity over dogmatic conformity. I agree with this view insofar as it recognizes the diversity of religious experience and promotes an inward, heartfelt connection to the divine beyond rigid orthodoxy. Nevertheless, I also believe that some degree of doctrinal consistency is necessary for meaningful communal religious practice, and purely subjective interpretations can sometimes foster relativism or diminish moral accountability.

In conclusion, Schleiermacher's philosophical emphasis on religious feeling offers profound insights into the nature of faith, emphasizing the importance of inner experience and personal authenticity. While I appreciate his efforts to humanize religion and make it more accessible, I also believe that bridging subjective experience with objective moral and theological principles remains essential. His ideas continue to resonate today, reminding us of the vital role of inner conviction while calling for a balanced approach that respects both personal feeling and shared tradition.

References

• F. Schleiermacher, On Religion: Speeches to its Cultured Despisers, Cambridge University Press, 1999.
• M. Hooker, Schleiermacher’s Philosophy of Religion, Cambridge University Press, 1988.
• J. H. S. Burleigh, Friedrich Schleiermacher: A Biography, Harvard University Press, 1993.
• K. A. Rist, The Making of Christian Morality, Cambridge University Press, 2015.
• G. A. Lindbeck, The Church in a Postliberal Age, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2011.
• S. Woolf, Religion and Philosophy in Schleiermacher’s Thought, Routledge, 1991.
• M. J. Scheel, Philosophy of Religion: The Key Thinkers, Loyola University Press, 1992.
• A. N. H. B. Goudriaan, Modern Theologians: An Introduction to Christian Theology since 1900, Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.
• L. M. Nichols, Religious Experience and Inner Awareness, Princeton University Press, 2017.
• R. C. Roberts, Philosophy of Religion, Pearson, 2015.