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Phenomenology in Catholic Philosophy: Assessments and Perspectives

Balázs M. Mezei

Religions May 22, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/rel17060625 (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Philosophy of mind
Key points Argues that phenomenology has been progressively integrated into Catholic philosophy, with the "phenomenology of revelation" as a distinctive development, and contends that divine revelation, particularly natural revelation, may open novel possibilities for Catholic philosophy in the present and future.

Abstract

The following exposition examines the concept of phenomenology with respect to its gradual integration into Catholic philosophy. Phenomenology is an evolving field whose internal tensions inevitably give rise to phenomenologies of religious thought, including theological questions. This development is articulated by numerous prominent scholars of our era, such as Max Scheler, Emmanuel Lévinas, and Jean-Luc Marion. The concept of “phenomenology of revelation” represents a distinctive development within the broader framework of the subject. In Catholic philosophy, the phenomenological perspective gained significant traction in the last century, particularly under the influence of scholars such as Hans Urs von Balthasar and Karl Rahner. In the contemporary era, there is a diverse array of efforts to reinterpret Catholic philosophical thought through phenomenological methods. From the author’s standpoint, the issue of divine revelation, particularly natural revelation, has the potential to unveil novel possibilities for Catholic philosophy in the present and the future.

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