Metaphysics and Mysticism: Mystical Aspects and Elements in the Work of Czech Thinker Karel Říha
Martin Vašek, Andrea Blaščíková, Rastislav Nemec
Religions January 17, 2022 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3390/rel13010084 via OpenAlex
Summary
Karel Říha, a Czech theologian and philosopher, aimed to deepen transcendental philosophy by emphasizing a triadic way of thinking—knowledge, wanting, Being. He viewed moral conversion as a mystic transformation that fosters interpersonal relationships and leads to a new metaphysics integrated into theology. Říha concluded that truth is beyond our control and that metaphysics and mysticism are intertwined in his work.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Říha believed that metaphysics eliminates itself and integrates into theology, culminating in the realization that truth pursues us rather than being within our power. |
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Abstract
Czech theologian and philosopher Karel Říha (1923–2016) followed the thinking of Maurice Blondel. He wanted to expand and deepen the basis of transcendental philosophy. He perceived the possibilities of a new metaphysics, which would be established only in a triadic way of thinking—knowledge, wanting, Being. He originally believed that the basic philosophical theory was the theory of moral conversion. Říha comprehended the event of moral conversion as a mystic turn, a transformation in which we find ourselves by realising ourselves in devotion to others. In this transformation, the striving for metaphysics, which is based on interpersonal relationships, achieves its goal. Metaphysics eliminates itself and is integrated into theology. Theology finally comes to the conclusion that the truth is not in our power but pursues us. The theologian and philosopher Říha, as he writes, has united himself with a Will, which we do not know where it leads us or what it will ask from us. There was nothing left on his own. Metaphysics and mysticism are united in his thinking and work.