Philosophy of History in Poland in the Context of Thomistic Thinking
Philosophy of History in Poland in the Context of Thomistic Thinking

Summary/Abstract: Philosophy of history practiced in the early modern period and nowadays in Poland appears to be one of the principal trends of Polish philosophical thinking. This thought encompasses various themes and is anchored in realism and Thomistic personalism. Polish representatives of philosophy of history do not disregard theology of history and perceive Christian faith as a historical reality. Therefore apart from philosophy of history they develop theology of history where the understanding of the past of your own nation is a crucial element. In this context the thought of Thomas Aquinas inspires to view history from the philosophical and theological perspective. Franciszek Sawicki, Franciszek Manthey and Czesław Bartnik in their research answer the question about the sense of time and history and the significance of historical processes. They originate from the school of traditional Thomism but they also have a thorough knowledge of modern philosophy Thanks to them we may speak of philosophy of history in Poland which deserves reflection and which is the source of the thought of St. John Paul II. Among them the reflection of Franciszek Sawicki deserves special attention. For Sawicki, Thomism is important as a value which organises his own presentation of the problem. It is, by no means, the repetition of the old tradition as Sawicki frequently refers to the modern thought. The question about the reference of Polish philosophy of history to Thomism is principally realized through personalist references and building social ethic based on philosophy and theology of nation where solidarity and participation are dominant. The abovementioned philosophers, F. Sawicki in particular, focus on the question about man in their reflection on history. For all of them it is Christianity that demonstrates the right form for references among people, the discovery of truth, moral and social activity as well as social and supernatural life, human autonomy and its relation to God.

• Details
• Contents