Are Many Philosophers Today Religious?

It is a common misconception that most philosophers today are not religious. Philosophy is an endeavor that encourages independent thinking and analysis, which can sometimes lead to adisconnect from organized religion. However, there are notable exceptions, and this article will explore the landscape of religious engagement among contemporary philosophers.

The Predominant View Among Philosophers

Philosophers, generally speaking, are known for their critical and analytical approach to understanding the world. This mode of thinking often involves questioning and deconstructing long-held beliefs, including those found in organized religions. As Sven Ove Hansson, a Swedish philosopher, points out, 'philosophy is a critical and independent activity that does not necessarily require adherence to religious doctrines.'

Notable Religious Philosophers

Despite the general trend, certain philosophers engage deeply with religious questions, blurring the lines between their intellectual pursuits and their personal beliefs.

University of Notre Dame Faculty

The University of Notre Dame, situated in close proximity to this writer's home, is a notable exception to the general trend. Renowned philosophers such as Alvin Plantinga and Robert Audi serve on the faculty and are well-known for their contributions to philosophy of religion.

Alvin Plantinga: Author of "Warranted Christian Belief" and "God and Other Minds," Plantinga has significantly shaped the philosophy of religion. His work explores the coherency of belief in God, challenging previous arguments and paving a new path for philosophical inquiry. Robert Audi: While Audi's interests lie more in ethics and epistemology, he has also made significant contributions to the philosophy of religion. His work 'The Authority of Reason' touches on questions of faith and reason, bridging the gap between empirical and rationalist approaches.

Reception of Philosophy of Religion

Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, a prominent philosopher at Duke University, addresses the perception of philosophy of religion as a 'backwater' within the broader philosophy community. He notes, 'Philosophy of religion is often seen as a less intellectually rigorous area, despite its historical and contemporary significance.' This perception can sometimes lead to a reluctance among philosophers to engage with religious questions, even when writing about similar topics.

The Case of P.F. Strawson

P.F. Strawson, a renowned philosopher and a professor at Princeton University, provides a poignant example of this aversion. In his work, 'The Bounds of Sense,' Strawson expresses reluctance to address religious questions, a sentiment he attributes to a broader stance within the contemporary philosophy community. He notes, 'The prevailing attitude among many philosophers is that it is only with great reluctance that one should write about religion.'

Historical Context and Modern Contrasts

It's also important to consider the historical context. Philosophers in the early modern period, such as René Descartes, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, John Locke, and George Berkeley, were deeply engaged with religious questions. They saw no inherent conflict between reason and faith, writing extensively on topics related to God, moral philosophy, and metaphysics. This contrast highlights how the relationship between philosophy and religion has evolved over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while most philosophers today may not align themselves with organized religion, the landscape of academic philosophy is far from monolithic. Figures such as Alvin Plantinga and Robert Audi at the University of Notre Dame exemplify the enduring relevance of philosophy of religion in contemporary intellectual discourse. As Walter Sinnott-Armstrong suggests, the perceived 'backwater' status of philosophy of religion may be a result of broader societal attitudes rather than an inherent disconnect between philosophy and religious thinking.