Problems and mysteries

Philip Lewin

pp. 333-338

in: Human Studies 33, 2010.

Abstract

Many years ago, the Christian existentialist Gabriel Marcel made a helpful distinction between a “problem” and a “mystery.” Schematically, a problem is a situation with respect to which the person is a detached observer. One identifies a problem, solves it, and moves on. There is no fundamental alteration of the self in solving a problem, no calling of the self into question. In contrast, a mystery is a situation within which the person him/herself is involved. Immersion within a mystery makes detachment impossible. Indeed, a mystery is never “solved” in the way that a problem can be. One can never simply walk away from it the way one can with a problem, even from problems that show themselves to be insoluble, for a problem, however important, remains objectified from the person’s standpoint. Conversely, one may struggle for a lifetime to come to terms with a mystery, to fathom where one stands with respect to it.

Cited authors

Marcel Gabriel