Philosophy, Theology and the Jesuit Tradition: 'The Eye of Love'

Description

What does it mean to do theology and philosophy in our contemporary academia? What is the notion of good life in the 21st century university? One distinctive tradition of philosophical and theological investigation has been working since early modernity to offer answers to these questions, the Society of Jesus, founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola. The engaging and original contributions in this volume examine topics such as faith, science and reason, secularism, naturalism, humanism and Ignatian spirituality. The opening text outlines the vision of Jesuit education and is followed by historical analyses of sources such as St Ignatius of Loyola and Mary Ward, to show the relevance of these methodologies for other texts and practices. The contributions explore the relationship between philosophy and theology, challenge the dominant perspectives such as naturalism and secularisation, and propose a new way of thinking. This livelydiscussion engages with contemporary issues in the sphere of interreligious dialogue, bioethics, citizenship and human rights. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents Illustrations Contributors Preface 1 An Ignatian Approach to Reading the Spiritual Classics 2 ‘A Clear and Perfect Estate’: Mary Ward’s Vision of the Just Soul 3 Compassion and Competence in the Service of Others: A Jesuit Contribution to Catholic Learning The context Jesuit documents The Spiritual Exercises The Foundation and Principle The Contemplation for Achieving Love Discernment of Spirits The Constitutions, Part IV The training of Jesuits The problem of property The programme The Ratio Studiorum The transformative effect of education The universal humanities curriculum Practical pedagogy Exploring Jesuit education today The strategic vision of Jesuit education The operational vision of Jesuit education Conclusion 4 Faith, Reason and Science: Towards a Renewed Christian Humanism? The eclipse of the person The loss of the art of living Possible objections Some practical consequences 5 The Practical Concept of God Introduction From theoretical to practical reason The paradox of rational agency and the question of God Conclusion 6 Philosophy, Theology and Nature Introduction Theology, prayer and two types of natural theology Engaging with God and talking about God Theology, philosophy and myth Conclusions 7 A Secular Age? Introduction Charles Taylor’s starting point in A Secular Age From a monological to a dialogical age New ways of conceiving the rationality of religious beliefs and practices The persistence of monological frameworks Towards an age beyond theism and atheism 8 Contemporary Jesuit Epistemological Interests Humanism: Alessandro Valignano SJ versus Pope Benedict XIV Vatican II: Signs of the times Vatican II: Stable truth, developing teaching Jesuits before Vatican II: New paths to theology Jesuit missions: Atheism Justice and interdisciplinary issues Clashing epistemologies Culture and theology Looking to the future 9 Eastern Christianity and Jesuit Scholarship on Arabic and Islam: Modern History and Contemporary Theological Reflections 10 Autonomy, Dignity, Human Rights: Correcting a Popular Error Human rights and human nature Recognizing a common humanity Griffin on reforming human rights Human nature, dignity and human rights Not a source of criteria for testing individuals Conclusion 11 Liberal and Authoritarian Approaches to Raising Good Citizens 12 Stewardship as Welcome and Respect for the Dignity of the Vulnerable: An Essay in Bioethics The body and soul of the human person Neighbourliness as stewardship and care for the vulnerable Two – or even three – different concepts of human dignity 13 Dialogue in a Pluralist Context: Theological Ethics and the New Interest in Happiness The ‘how to be happy’ handbooks Richard Layard and happiness economics Martin Seligman and positive psychology Julia Annas and eudaimonistic virtue ethics Theological ethics and dialogue about happiness in a pluralist context Ethical dialogue in a pluralist culture References 1 An Ignatian Approach to Reading the Spiritual Classics 2 ‘A Clear and Perfect Estate’: Mary Ward’s Vision of the Just Soul 3 Compassion and Competence in the Service of Others: A Jesuit Contribution to Catholic Learning 4 Faith, Reason and Science: Towards a Renewed Christian Humanism? 5 The Practical Concept of God 6 Philosophy, Theology and Nature 7 A Secular Age? 8 Contemporary Jesuit Epistemological Interests 9 Eastern Christianity and Jesuit Scholarship on Arabic and Islam: Modern History and Contemporary Theological Reflections 10 Autonomy, Dignity, Human Rights: Correcting a Popular Error 11 Liberal and Authoritarian Approaches to Raising Good Citizens 12 Stewardship as Welcome and Respect for the Dignity of the Vulnerable: An Essay in Bioethics 13 Dialogue in a Pluralist Context: Theological Ethics and the New Interest in Happiness Index