Metaphysics and Mysticism: Mystical Aspects and Elements in the Work of Czech Thinker Karel Říha

Martin Vašek,Rastislav Nemec,Andrea Blaščíková

doi:10.3390/rel13010084

Martin Vašek, Rastislav Nemec + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13010084

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Abstract

Czech theologian and philosopher Karel Říha (1923–2016) followed the thinking of Maurice Blondel. He wanted to expand and deepen the basis of transcendental philosophy. He perceived the possibilities of a new metaphysics, which would be established only in a triadic way of thinking—knowledge, wanting, Being. He originally believed that the basic philosophical theory was the theory of moral conversion. Říha comprehended the event of moral conversion as a mystic turn, a transformation in which we find ourselves by realising ourselves in devotion to others. In this transformation, the striving for metaphysics, which is based on interpersonal relationships, achieves its goal. Metaphysics eliminates itself and is integrated into theology. Theology finally comes to the conclusion that the truth is not in our power but pursues us. The theologian and philosopher Říha, as he writes, has united himself with a Will, which we do not know where it leads us or what it will ask from us. There was nothing left on his own. Metaphysics and mysticism are united in his thinking and work.

Highlights

He originally believed that the basic philosophical theory was the theory of moral conversion
Říha comprehended the event of moral conversion as a mystic turn, a transformation in which we find ourselves by realising ourselves in devotion to others
Říha spoke about the need and at the same time about the overcoming of metaphysics, its completion—metaphysics is integrated into theology and at the same time about the Academic Editor: Rob Faesen

Summary

Introduction

In the work of the Czech Christian philosopher, theologian, translator, and Jesuit priest. An important inspiration for him was Blondel’s “philosophy of action”, which, according to Říha, is based on the basic intuition that free decision opens the space for new experience, or—in other words—according to which action and contemplation are mutually conditioned. This corresponds to the understanding of the truth—in contrast to the abstract “harmony of reason and thing”, Blondel put a “concrete harmony of mind and life”—adaequatio realis mentis et vitae.. The third part of this study seeks to show the relationship between ontology (metaphysics) and mysticism In this sense, it is interesting for our purpose in what way Říha—in contrast to modern philosophy, which prefers the criterion of knowledge—chooses rather the principle of will, in which he was inspired by M. Religions 2022, 13, 84 seems to contain a mystical aspect, which is explicitly and fully developed (completed) by theology/mysticism

Mystical Experience and Conversion Theory

Metaphysics of Identity and Relevance

Conclusions