Philosophie moderne et pluralisme religieux. Perspectives cartésiennes et pascaliennes

Abstract

The article explores the hermeneutical possibilities offered by modern philosophy for addressing the question of religious diversity. How does modern philosophy accommodate not only the Christian form of religion but also religious plurality ? Focusing on the early modern period, and adopting an exploratory, essay-like approach, the article examines texts by Des­cartes and Pascal that refer to religious pluralism, with the aim of interpreting the philosophico-theological implications of these references. With respect to Descartes, the discussion draws on the theory of faith set out in the Meditations on First Philosophy, and on the Conversation with Burman, both of which provide indications concerning the consideration of other religions. In the case of Pascal, the analysis turns to the anthropological foundations of true religion in the Pensées, then to the structural anti-Judaism conveyed by the conceptual schema of the figura­tives, before finally considering the theme of the hiddenness of God. Ultimately, the aim is to bring to light the operative power of concepts drawn from early modern philosophy for concep­tualizing an openness to religious diversity.