Patoček‘s Late Philosophy in the Context of the Spiritual Crisis of Contemporary Society Cover Image

Patočkova neskorá filozofia v kontexte duchovnej krízy súčasnej spoločnosti
Patoček‘s Late Philosophy in the Context of the Spiritual Crisis of Contemporary Society

Author(s): Róbert Stojka
Subject(s): Philosophy, Theology and Religion, Philosophy of Religion
Published by: VERBUM - vydavateľstvo Katolíckej univerzity v Ružomberku
Keywords: Jan Patočka; Europe; care of the soul; spiritual crisis; sacrifice

Summary/Abstract: In Patočka´s philosophy of history, especially in its late period, the concept of Europe, which is essentially linked to the ancient Greek idea of the care for the soul, hast its firm place. The idea of the care for the soul undergoes several metamorphoses during the history and after the disappearance of the ancient world it is according to Patočka carried further by Christianity, which is considered to be the highest rise of the human spirit after the previous decay of the ancient world. However, Patočka also speaks about the spiritual crisis of the humanity as such that in his opinion reaches its peak in the present time, in the technical and materialistic understanding of the world and in the modern and post-modern consumerism. While looking for the solutions of the current crisis, Patočka is inspired by Heidegger´s thinking, above all by the ontological difference – the difference between the Being and beings. An important phenomenon that can on an individual level become the remedy for overcoming the present materialistic. technical and strictly rational understanding of the world is for Patočka the sacrifice. The sacrifice can show the essential aspect of Being, which is much more that a sum of beings and can therefore be grasped as the philosophical expression of the divine, what Patočka clearly demonstrates at the figure of Jesus.

  • Issue Year: XXII/2023
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 53-69
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Slovak