[net.philosophy] in praise of intellect

tfl (04/06/83)

As a matter of fact, there is quite a bit from about the 15th century on in
Christian theology (and Philosophy) in praise of intellect.  On the literary
side, see Alexander Pope's ESSAY ON MAN.  See also Aquinas, Descartes, Spinoza
(he converted), etc.  The point that these writers were trying to make,
was that the world is knowable, ignorance is evil, and god can be known
through the performance of reason.  The doctrine of faith dipped a bit during
this period, only to emerge again in the 20th century.
As a matter of fact, you can trace the notion of morality and "right reason"
back to Plato and Aristotle.
If I might flame for a moment --- as one who is disgusted by the sight of
the category `Philosophy-Religion' at bookstores, let's try to limit theistic
discussion in net.philosophy.  There is very little reason in faith.

		   not bad for a druid (reformed), eh?