Thesis: This paper argues that Yannaras’ relational ontology embodies the human experience of nature through relational means. Humans experience iencr nature through and individual and communal means. This has been embedded in history through wisdom traditions, natural religions, and is produced in science and philosophical traditions. This paper critiques the dualistic notion and monist understandings of religious experience. Incorporation of identities or personas into communal bodies generates a multiplicity of productive and diverse relationships within communities. This relationality, grounded in love, is meant to dismantle coercion and power dynamics, and thus reconstruct a flourishing model of synergistic dynamics between persons and communities.
Outline:
Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the phenomenology of nature and religious experience through the lens of Christos Yannaras’ relational ontology. Drawing on Yannaras’ philosophical framework, we argue that human nature is inherently inclined towards flourishing in community by relating identities to one another, even in the face of diversity and difference. By emphasizing the nature of love (ie from Furtak and Frankfurt) is the foundation of both nature and religion, we demonstrate how Yannaras’ relational ontology centers individuals and communities and motivates them beyond coercion and power dynamics, fostering comprehensive innovation and financial peace. In doing so, we provide a new perspective on the phenomenology of nature and religious experience, highlighting the significance of relationality in the pursuit of individual and communal flourishing.
Title: Flourishing of person and community: Relational Ontology as the Ground of nature and religious experience through embodiment, grounding and attunement in care, charity, and love.
Outline:
I. Introduction
A. Background on phenomenology of nature and religious experience
B. Introduction of Yannaras’ relational ontology
C. Furtak/Frankfurt/Kierkegaard – Logos of Love
D. Merleau-Ponty and Guenin – embodiment, tradition, wisdom
E. Overview of the paper’s argument
II. Yannaras’ Relational Ontology
A. Key concepts in Yannaras’ philosophy
- Relational ontology
- Communal identity
- Love as the ground of nature and religion
B. Implications for human nature and community
III. Logos of Love: Insights from Furtak, Frankfurt, and Kierkegaard
A. Furtak’s contributions to understanding love and relationality
B. Frankfurt’s perspective on love as a driving force in human relationships
C. Kierkegaard’s existential approach to love and its significance
D. Synthesis of the three thinkers’ perspectives on the Logos of Love
IV. Embodiment, Tradition, and Wisdom: Merleau-Ponty and Guenin
A. Merleau-Ponty’s concept of embodiment and its role in human experience
B. Guenin’s emphasis on tradition and wisdom in relational ontology
C. Integration of embodiment, tradition, and wisdom in understanding relationality
V. Flourishing in Community: A Synthesis of Perspectives
A. The significance of relationality in human nature from Yannaras’ viewpoint
B. The role of love in transcending power dynamics and coercion, drawing from Furtak, Frankfurt, and Kierkegaard
V. Flourishing in Community: A Synthesis of Perspectives
A. The significance of relationality in human nature from Yannaras’ viewpoint
B. The role of love in transcending power dynamics and coercion, drawing from Furtak, Frankfurt, and Kierkegaard
C. The importance of embodiment, tradition, and wisdom as demonstrated by Merleau-Ponty and Guenin
D. Examples of communities embodying these philosophical perspectives
VI. Relating Disparate Identities through Love and Embodied Wisdom
A. The potential for unity and productivity among diverse identities
B. The integration of relational ontology, Logos of Love, and embodied wisdom in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding
C. Case studies of communities embracing relationality, diversity, and shared wisdom
VII. Conclusion
A. Recap of the paper’s argument and synthesis of perspectives
B. Implications for phenomenology of nature and religious experience
C. Future research directions and potential applications of the synthesized framework
©️ Chad Gilbert/ Eudaimonia Education
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