this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: Post-Modern Challenges to Ethics
Author(s): DE WACHTER, Frans
Journal: Ethical Perspectives
Volume: 1    Issue: 2   Date: June 1994   
Pages: 77-88
DOI: 10.2143/EP.1.2.630097

Abstract :
In a famous article published in 1900, Cardinal Mercier drew up a philosophical balance sheet of the previous century. While still showing respect for modern developments, he severely criticized anything that strayed too far from the neo-Thomistic horizon. It is very characteristic that the first object of his criticism is De Bonald’s traditionalism. Mercier says that this type of philosophy is so greatly influenced by the impotence of reason that it hurls itself into the arms of faith. But, 'an act of faith cannot be the primordial act of human reason. An individual could not believe unless he first saw that it was reasonable to believe.'

Download article