The unfinished existence of man

Abstract

This article focuses on the term unfinished existence, accepted by both Christian and secular anthropology; however, both perspectives differ in their understanding of how to reach existential fulfillment. Acquiring such fullness implies a liberation, both external and internal, but the attainment of personal autonomy depends on which path of liberation is given priority. According to the contemporary philosopher, Byung-Chul Han, in the new postmodern paradigm, the oppression of the person intensifies when the fruits of technical-computer progress are internalized (self-optimization). When this praxis is established as a proposal for liberation and as a way of acquiring autonomy, the contradictory and devastating nature of self-aggrandizement becomes evident. The traditional path of theosis, especially if one considers the Steinian interpretation, not only seems reasonable but acquires a particular appeal, since for it, conversion is a complete reintegration of the individual person and is the path to the reconstruction of human community, i.e. social and political life including resilience, which is opposed to the destructive economic power of the liberal market.