Religions and Mysticism

Religions and Mysticism

Epistemological Foundations of Wolterstorff’s View on the Rationality of Religious Belief

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Abbas Yazdani 1
Hakimeh Yousefpour 2
1 University of Tehran
2 Tehran University
10.22059/jrm.2016.58711
Abstract
One of the approaches which defends the rationality of religious beliefs is the reformed epistemology. Among reformed epistemologists, Wolterstorff’s view is subject to less criticism. This article tries to present epistemological foundations of Wolterstorff’s view by describing and analyzing the statements which he has offered in his works. Wolterstorff’s epistemological foundations are explainable, totally, in the light of evidentialism. To turn away deficient and radical enlightenment epistemology, Wolterstorff approves deontological epistemology beside situated rationality With regard to extended conception of rationality, Wolterstorff not only approves situated rationality and epistemological aspect but also resorts to psychology of belief. However He asserts foundationalism beside coherence, according to approve negative coherence, foundationalism doesn’t affect his affirmative view. Wolterstorff examines the rationality of religious beliefs with regard to variety aspects but he supports some pluralism.
 
Keywords
deontology
entitlement
foundationalism
Rationality
Reformed epistemology
Wolterstorff
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Religions and Mysticism
Volume 48, Issue 2
February 2015
Pages 289-314