Practical Metaphysics and Rational Responsibility for Faith. Kantian Pragmatism and the Relevance of Metaphysics for Contemporary Theology

Abstract

Drawing on approaches by Hilary Putnam and Jürgen Habermas, I develop a form of “Kantian Pragmatism” with a theological intention. The core of this “Kantian Pragmatism” is a solution to the problem of realism. This solution subscribes to the pragmatic presupposition of an observer-independent reality, while at the same time doing justice to the constructive character of the linguistically pre-structured access to reality. On this basis, I then discuss the project of a “Practical Metaphysics”, which conceives of metaphysics as an interpretative practice intended to provide orientation in the face of “mortal questions”. Finally, I illustrate the consequences of this concept for systematic theology. I argue that religious convictions should be understood neither as factual assertions nor as mere constructions of the mind, but rather as statements situated in the life-world of individuals. Thus, while they do have a propositional content, the significance of religious convictions can only be explored performatively.