Tayloring Reformed Epistemology: Charles Taylor, Alvin Plantinga and the de jure Challenge to Christian Belief

by Deane-Peter Baker, Conor Cunningham, Peter Candler

Overview

In recent philosophical discourse, there has been a proliferation of work in the field of philosophy of religion, and in particular at the intersection between epistemology and philosophy of religion. Much of that interest has centred on the emergence of what has come to be known as 'Reformed Epistemology'. The central claim of Reformed epistemologists is that belief in God is properly basic. The purpose of the arguments offered by Reformed epistemologists is to oppose what Plantinga calls the 'de jure' objection to theistic belief - the idea that it is somehow irrational, a dereliction of epistemic duty, or in some other sense epistemically unacceptable, to believe in God. This objection is distinct from what Plantinga labels the 'de facto' objection - the objection that, whatever the rational status of belief in God, it is, in fact, a false belief. The primary goal of Reformed epistemology, then, is to defend Christian belief against the de jure objection, thereby showing that everything really depends on the truth of Christian belief. This book demonstrates the feasibility of combining the Reformed epistemologist's position with an argument for theism that the author draws from Charles Taylor's work. In it, he shows the value that would be added to the Reformed epistemologist's position by such a combination.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780334041405
Publisher:	Hymns Ancient & Modern
Publication date:	07/07/2011
Series:	Veritas Series
Pages:	242
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Veritas Series Introduction     ix
Acknowledgements     xi
Introduction     1
Reformed Epistemology and the de jure Challenge     17
Wolterstorff's Reformed Epistemology     19
Alston's Reformed Epistemology     35
Plantinga's Reformed Epistemology (I): Theory and Responses     55
Plantinga's Reformed Epistemology (II): Analysis of Responses     79
Tayloring Reformed Epistemology     103
Charles Taylor on the Self and the Moral     105
Phenomenology     125
Transcendence     145
History     161
Conclusion     192
Bibliography     211
Index of Names and Subjects     223

Editorial Reviews

In Tayloring Reformed Epistemology, Baker offers a carefully argued, nuanced epistemology of religious belief, linking the best reformed epistemology with Charles Taylor’s historical and phenomenological case for theism. This is a refreshing, original contribution to the literature on theism and naturalism, the relationship of theism and morality, and the philosophical assessment of religious belief. While Baker develops detailed, critical analyses of the current epistemological debates, he never loses sight of the big picture, thus providing an excellent resource for those looking for a reliable introduction to the major recent arguments in the field.” Charles Taliaferro, Professor of Philosophy, St. Olaf College

From the Publisher

While still maintaining scholarly rigor and depth, Baker relays his case with clear, illuminating prose, devoid of unneccessary philosophical parlance. Thus, his book is suited to a wide audience, commending itself to students and scholars alike.

Johnny WAlker

[This] is an exemplary work of creative collaboration. Transgressing traditional divides between Continental and Analytic philosophy and Reformed and Catholic traditions, Baker places previously segregated schools of thought in conversation with one another, resulting in a remarkably original and compelling contribution to Christian philosophy.

Johnny Walker