Faith and Science

On the tenth anniversary of the John-Paul II’s encyclical Fides et ratio, Pope Benedict XVI has made a Catholic apologia for reason, and its role in relating Christian faith and philosophy. John-Paul II had previously expressed his regret at the feebleness of philosophical reason in today’s debates. Benedict XVI speaks of a current “decline” in epistemology and the practical application of science in our times. This is characterized by a disconnection between science and ethics, and reason being confined to experimentation. Science is mistaken, in his view, to seek only “easy results” today. Prolonging his debate with J. Habermas, the Pope warns us not against science itself, but its distortion when it aims only for results, as illustrated by the ethical questions posed by stem cells, alas, in our times. Science in itself cannot produce ethical principles. For that, it needs philosophy and theology. The role of the University is vital in this task, just as it was in medieval times. In this respect, Christian faith does not only address Christians, contrary to the beliefs of J. Rawls. Benedict XVI continues to promote interaction and circularity between theology and philosophy, between faith and reason.