Ernst Tugendhat

Ondertitel:the (im)possibility of non-religious mysticism

German philosopher Ernst Tugendhat defines Mystik (mysticism) as “freeing oneself from volitional attachment (or from greed or worry) and this in the face of [the size of] the universe.” Mystik is sought because human beings are in search of peace of mind. Being too attached to what one wants (if one is too egocentric) will cause feelings of frustration, fear and loss of meaning. This study researches to what extent Mystik, Tugendhat’s interpretation of mysticism, is a “real possibility” for people today. It seems that Mystik is problematic for a number of reasons. Therefore, this study proposes a few changes to Tugendhat’s concept. The knowledge on which Mystik is founded is no longer the knowledge that I am relatively unimportant compared to the size of the universe, but an ‘existential dialetheism:’ the knowledge that an existential contradiction is true . The insight that a contradiction is at the heart of mysticism might lead to a better understanding of some mystical and religious phenomena.

Jaar van publicatie:2021

Trefwoorden:Doctoral thesis

Toegankelijkheid:Open