The Philosopher’s Trinity: Philosophical Parallels to the Doctrine of the Trinity
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Authors
Cooney, John
Advisor
Ries, John
Glowienka, Edward
Hall, Eric
Glowienka, Edward
Hall, Eric
Editor
Date of Issue
2020
Subject Keywords
Religious Thought , Theology and Philosophy of Religion , Catholic Studies , Christianity
Publisher
Citation
Series/Report No.
item.page.identifier
Title
The Philosopher’s Trinity: Philosophical Parallels to the Doctrine of the Trinity
Other Titles
Type
Thesis
Description
Abstract
One of the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith happens to be one of the most mysterious: the doctrine of the Trinity. The Trinity, despite its seeming contrariety to reason, has seen several philosophical parallels—divine triads resembling the Christian
doctrine but lacking a basis in divine revelation. In this paper, I analyze such triads, as well as their historical-theological counterparts, in an attempt to identify the merit and limitations of pure reason in Trinitarian theology. I specifically examine the work of Plotinus and Augustine, Hegel and Rahner, and several theologians utilizing contemporary philosophical developments in Trinitarian theology. Ultimately, I conclude that while reason apart from divine revelation may produce a system approximating the fundamental elements of the Christian Trinity, there remain several components inaccessible to philosophy alone. Additionally, I suggest that the discussions concerning reason and revelation have important implications for the relationship between the ‘economic’ and ‘immanent’ Trinities.
Sponsors
Degree Awarded
Bachelor's
Semester
Spring
Department
Theology