Author: Shiuli Mishra & Dr. Sanjay Das
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/PP/020300008
Abstract: Philosophical theism, the rational exploration of God’s existence and nature, represents one of the most enduring and profound inquiries in intellectual history. Rooted in ancient philosophical traditions, it examines the divine not solely through revelation or religious dogma but through reason, logic, and metaphysical reflection. From Plato and Aristotle’s foundational concepts of a Prime Mover and ultimate reality to medieval scholastic synthesis in Aquinas’s proofs of God, philosophical theism has evolved alongside cultural, scientific, and intellectual shifts. The Enlightenment further emphasized rational autonomy, with thinkers such as Immanuel Kant reinterpreting theism through moral reasoning, while post-Enlightenment philosophers like Hegel and Whitehead expanded its metaphysical and historical dimensions. In the modern era, analytic philosophers including Alvin Plantinga and Richard Swinburne have revived classical arguments through modal logic and probability theory, while dialogue with science, evolutionary theory, and cosmology has deepened theological reflection. Contemporary philosophical theism also embraces interfaith discourse, engaging comparative perspectives from diverse religious and philosophical traditions. This study explores the historical trajectory, core arguments, and evolving themes of philosophical theism, highlighting its enduring relevance in addressing metaphysical, ethical, and existential questions. By bridging ancient wisdom and modern rational inquiry, philosophical theism remains a vital discipline for understanding humanity’s search for ultimate meaning.
Keywords: Philosophical Theism, Rationalis, Divine Existence, Enlightenment.
Page No: 55-60