Sensus divinitatis as a Theory of Theistic Belief Formation Cover Image

Sensus divinitatis jako koncepcja genezy przekonań teistycznych
Sensus divinitatis as a Theory of Theistic Belief Formation

Author(s): Stanisław Ruczaj
Subject(s): Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Epistemology, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Special Branches of Philosophy
Published by: Instytut Filozofii Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: Alvin Plantinga; sensus divinitatis; epistemology; philosophy of religion

Summary/Abstract: Alvin Plantinga's notion of sensus divinitatis ("sense of divinity") refers to a human cognitive faculty designed to produce theistic beliefs that have warrant (positive epistemic status). While most of Plantinga's commentators focus on whether introducing this notion really helps to defend the rationality of theistic beliefs, the genetic aspect of the operation of the sensus divinitatis is often overlooked. This paper is devoted to fill this gap. On the basis of Plantinga's opus magnum titled Warranted Christian Belief, I distinguish three different interpretations of how sensus divinitatis creates theistic beliefs. I also analyse the ways in which human sin impairs the proper functioning of this sense of divinity in each of these interpretations.

  • Issue Year: 16/2019
  • Issue No: 59
  • Page Range: 48-60
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish