Idealism and realism

This essay is concerned with the dispute between realists and idealists, particularly in the form given to it in the immensely influential work of Michael Dummett, because Donald MacKinnon has insisted on its importance for theologians. That they should pay much more attention to their philosophical presuppositions is something that he has urged, not without some success, over many years. The reopening of the controversy may, however, prompt an attempt, not to resolve it so much as to make it superfluous. It will be suggested, at any rate, that the work of Charles Taylor, although at present much less influential, offers a perspective which it would be more fruitful for theologians to explore.

Epistemology · Idealism · Realism · Classical Philosophy and Thought · Philosophy