Abstract:
The main theme of this dissertation is the theoretical status of theology. The scientific status of any area of knowledge depends heavily on the respective concept of science. And this concept is, in turn, dependent of the real historical process. The various concepts of science through Western history created science classifications which conceded the status of science to some disciplines and refused it to others. Today, because of the recognition that we lack a solid foundation for knowledge, there is also recognition of the impossibility of an ultimate definition of concepts like science, truth, etc. There has been a growing recognition that, besides great positive results which are consequences of the still dominant modern scientific concept and method, there are also negative consequences, like the distance between different sciences and forms of knowledge. In order to reduce this distance, there has been search for a reunion of forms of knowledge. This dissertation aims to contribute to this process, especially in regard to the re-inclusion of theology among the valid forms of knowledge. In the first chapter the focus is on recognizing the present situation of knowledge fragmentation and the attempt of Edgar Morin to revert it through Complex Thought. The second and third chapters are dedicated to a revisiting of the System of Sciences of Paul Tillich. In 1923, Tillich published his book Das System der Wissenschaften nach Gegenständen und Methoden (The System of Sciences according to Objects and Methods), with the ultimate goal of finding a place for theology among the sciences. In Tillich´s System, the solution for the problem of unity and diversity in knowledge lies in the fundamental characteristic of human being as spirit, creativity. Finally, in the fourth chapter some relevant aspects for the reunion of different forms of knowledge are presented, as for example a possible concept of science.
