What is Onto-theology in Philosophy?
Onto-theology is a field of study that combines ontology, which is the philosophy of being, with theology, which is the study of God and religious issues. This area of philosophy seeks to understand the relationship between being and the divine, exploring metaphysical and epistemological questions related to the existence of God and the nature of being. In this glossary, we will explore in more depth the concept of onto-theology and its main approaches.
Origin and development of Onto-theology
Onto-theology has its roots in ancient philosophical and religious traditions, dating back to the pre-Socratic thinkers of Ancient Greece. However, it was with the development of Christian thought and the influence of Greek philosophy that onto-theology began to establish itself as a distinct field of study. Philosophers such as Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas were important for the development of this area, making significant contributions to the understanding of the relationship between God and being.
Main approaches to Onto-theology
There are several approaches within onto-theology, each with its own perspectives and focuses. Some of the main approaches include:
1. Classical onto-theology
Classical onto-theology is an approach that seeks to establish the existence of God based on rational and logical arguments. It starts from the assumption that it is possible to prove the existence of God through reason, using arguments such as the cosmological argument and the teleological argument. This approach is strongly influenced by Aristotelian and Thomistic philosophy.
2. Mystical onto-theology
Mystical onto-theology is an approach that emphasizes the direct and personal experience of God. She seeks to transcend reason and achieve a mystical union with the divine through contemplation and meditation. This approach is often associated with religious traditions such as Christian mysticism and Islamic Sufism.
3. Processual onto-theology
Process onto-theology is an approach that sees God as a constantly evolving process. It emphasizes the idea that God is constantly transforming and interacting with the world, and that reality is a process in constant movement. This approach is influenced by process philosophy and the thinking of philosophers such as Alfred North Whitehead.
4. Postmodern onto-theology
Postmodern onto-theology is an approach that questions traditional notions of God and being. She seeks to deconstruct traditional conceptions of divinity and explore new ways of understanding being and the divine. This approach is influenced by postmodern philosophy and thinkers such as Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault.
Applications of Onto-theology
Onto-theology has several applications within philosophy and theology. It can be used to explore questions such as the nature of God, the relationship between humans and the divine, the existence of evil and the nature of reality. Furthermore, onto-theology can also be applied in interreligious dialogues, seeking to find points of convergence and understanding between different religious traditions.
Criticisms of Onto-theology
Just like any field of study, onto-theology also faces criticism and objections. Some critics argue that onto-theology is based on metaphysical and theological assumptions that cannot be proven empirically. Others question the validity of the arguments used by classical onto-theology and argue that they are based on fallacious assumptions. Furthermore, onto-theology is also criticized for its tendency to privilege certain religious traditions over others.
Conclusion
In short, onto-theology is a field of study that seeks to understand the relationship between being and the divine. Through different approaches and perspectives, onto-theology explores metaphysical and epistemological questions related to the existence of God and the nature of being. Despite criticisms and objections, onto-theology continues to be a relevant and important field within philosophy and theology, contributing to interreligious dialogue and the understanding of the divine.
