L'absolu et le relatif dans la doctrine Bonaventurienne

le dernier horizon de la pensée

Scheltens

pp. 79-91

in: Paul Sars, Chris Bremmers, Koen Boey (eds), Eros and Eris, Berlin, Springer, 1992

Abstract

This study deals principally with the so-called doctrine of illumination of St. Bonaventure. The emphasis is laid on the affinity of Bonaventure's doctrine with Heidegger's ontological difference. According to Bonaventure, human knowledge has a twofold source. The distinct and clear content of all knowledge stems from experience. The absolute character of knowledge however is due to the always present background of the absolute itself which surpasses all finiteness. In contrast to a modern tendency to stress the historicity of the ultimate horizon of the spirit, Bonaventure emphasises the surpassing of finiteness and temporality. The question which arises as a result of this contrast is whether the ontological difference remains when the radical otherness of each finiteness is denied.

Cited authors

Heidegger Martin