Theological Philosophy

About this video

Lydia Schumacher discusses theological philosophy, a project addressing the rationality of Christian faith. It proposes redefining rationality, framing it as a moral rather than just an epistemological issue, focusing on human flourishing. The project distinguishes between defensive apologetics, which respond to objections, and offensive apologetics, which pre-emptively establish faith's rationality. Drawing on Aquinas, it suggests that rationality involves the interplay of intellect, will, and passions, shaped by virtues like prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. This moral approach to rationality asserts that true knowledge is developmental and aims to align human understanding with ethical living, ultimately supporting the rationality of faith.

Background

Produced in April 2016. Provisional subtitles.

Lydia Schumacher is Reader in Historical and Philosophical Theology at King's College London.