Advice to Christian Philosophers

Abstract

In this foundational essay for recent Christian philosophy, Alvin Plantinga offers “advice” specifically to Christian philosophers and, by extension, to any religious philosophers who wish to find a way to integrate their faith with their philosophical practice. After considering philosophical challenges to Verificationism, Plantinga moves on to consider core issues in the epistemology of religious belief and philosophical anthropology. Plantinga defends the idea that Christians can legitimately start with their religious beliefs, rather than being required to begin with supposedly neutral or objective claims upon which their religious belief must be shown to depend. Drawing deeply on the theological framework of John Calvin, Plantinga concludes that Christian philosophers should display more autonomy, more integrity, and Christian courage in their philosophical work.