Justine Julian O.

Inocando
2nd Year – St. Therese of Calcutta

ON THE FRAGMENTATION OF KNOWLEDGE

In the philosophical inquiry, my line of interest is in the study of the ideas of

atheist thinkers. I find them interesting as, admittedly, they have rebelled against the

status quo. Their principles are ultimately autonomous and anthropocentric. I simply

cannot fathom how these individuals can live without God nor bothering to seek to

answer the questions about His existence. While fascinated, I am also ‘disappointed’

with them. It is not a secret that these atheist philosophers are accountable for the

present diversity and complexity of philosophy in the branches of existentialism,

anthropology, and theodicy. In their rebellion, they have rerouted the course of

philosophical inquiry. Many writers have already proclaimed that the philosophy of the

present times is a mess.

Unlike the Ancient and, most profoundly, the Medieval era, the post-modern era

has no single ‘assumption’ presupposed that shall guide one towards the truth. Alas, the

objective truth is that which this era has no great interest in searching for. Subjectivism

and relativism dominate the present philosophical current. Unsurprisingly, absurdity and

nihilism, pragmatism and scientism, are the ideologies found in the mainstream

‘philosophy’ that lack depth of study. A sole solid foundation has been destroyed, and

each person has the capacity to reflect and philosophize becomes a foundation of truth

or knowledge himself, a manifestation of relativism and subjectivism. Thus, it is

unsurprising that anthropology deems man as a means, existentialism looks at

existence as meaningless, and the majority call God inexistent. Subsequently,

knowledge can never come to certainty, objective truth cannot be achieved. In the end,

the mystery and wonder of man are lost, this world has become dull and colorless.
Justine Julian O. Inocando
2nd Year – St. Therese of Calcutta

“Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (Rom. 5:20).” Taking this

scriptural verse in another light, in the experience of deficiency do we come to know and

see what is missing. The beauty of Christian philosophy is found in its roots. Christian

philosophy sprung from the minds of the Medieval thinkers in their effort to develop

Greek philosophy within the context of Christian doctrine and the light of the Gospel.

Truly, the Greek philosophy is pagan and not entirely conforming with Catholic

teachings. It was diverse, as diverse as the current philosophical complexity of the

numerous warring ideologies that prevail. Hence, what do the Medieval thinkers

possess that gave them the capability to take pagan philosophy and use it for further

deepening and inquiry in matters of belief? How have they been successful in

synthesizing when atheist philosophers caused disunity amidst the diversity? Christian

philosophy had possessed a single concrete foundation which is the word of God.

The present philosophy is fragmented along with the knowledge and even the

very concept of truth. Though at that state of chaos and prevalence, philosophy is not

unsavable. In my reflection through the years of my study of atheist philosophy,

Christian philosophy remains to stand and shine because of its possession of the

aforementioned foundation. At the same time, Christian philosophy has a dialogical

characteristic. Atheist philosophy mostly stops at meaninglessness or superficial

utilitarianism. While Christian philosophy attempt to dialogue with the world

subsequently directing the inquiry towards a search for the truth regarding the matter for

dialogue. At the same time, the metaphysical dominance found in Christian philosophy

finds itself journeying beyond what is merely sensible or empirical. It finds meaning and

reality that is beyond the restrictions of experience and constructs of nature and society.
Justine Julian O. Inocando
2nd Year – St. Therese of Calcutta

Ending this reflection, after the distinguishment, I have made, there is something

that secular or atheist ideology lack, that is God. The word of God that the document

mentions being the foundation of truth, knowledge, and Christian philosophy itself is

God Himself for “He is the word-made-flesh.” And in the belief in the existence of a

Supreme Being brings one to a metaphysical search for it presupposes already a

metaphysical reality for God is beyond the superficial experience though He may be

experienced in His creation and in man, the apex of His visible creation. It is God who

unites, love unites and God is love. I believe post-modern philosophy is not a hopeless

case, it needs, truly, to revert back to tradition that has a true foundation. Man needs

God, so does philosophy as it is an activity of humanity graced by the divine with

intellect.