Alvin Plantinga

Definition

Alvin Plantinga is an influential contemporary philosopher known for his work in epistemology, particularly in the context of the philosophy of religion. He is best recognized for developing the concept of Reformed Epistemology, which argues that belief in God can be considered properly basic and does not require evidential justification to be rational. This perspective challenges traditional evidentialist views and asserts that belief in God is grounded in a form of knowledge that is self-evident and foundational to human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plantinga argues that belief in God can be formed through experiences and has an internal justification, similar to beliefs about other minds or the external world.
2. He posits that certain beliefs are 'properly basic' if they arise from cognitive faculties functioning as they should, like how one trusts their sensory perception.
3. His work includes critiques of evidentialism, suggesting that requiring evidence for belief in God imposes unnecessary constraints on rational belief.
4. Plantinga's famous 'ontological argument' provides a philosophical basis for understanding the existence of God through the lens of necessity and possible worlds.
5. He has contributed significantly to discussions on the problem of evil, arguing that the existence of evil does not negate God's existence but rather can coexist within a broader theological context.

Review Questions

• How does Alvin Plantinga's notion of properly basic beliefs challenge traditional evidentialist views regarding religious belief?
  • Alvin Plantinga's notion of properly basic beliefs posits that some beliefs, including belief in God, do not require external evidence to be considered rational. This challenges traditional evidentialism, which insists that all beliefs must have adequate justification. Plantinga argues that just as we accept certain foundational beliefs—like trust in our senses or other minds—belief in God can also be understood as properly basic, arising naturally from our cognitive faculties when functioning correctly.
• In what ways does Reformed Epistemology as developed by Plantinga provide a framework for understanding religious belief without relying on empirical evidence?
  • Reformed Epistemology, as articulated by Plantinga, provides a framework where religious belief is viewed as a fundamental aspect of human cognition rather than something that needs empirical backing. It asserts that just like we have immediate awareness of our own thoughts or perceptions, we can also have a direct awareness of God. Thus, this epistemology legitimizes faith as rationally acceptable and deeply rooted in personal experience rather than dependent on external evidence.
• Evaluate the implications of Plantinga's arguments for the rationality of religious belief in a pluralistic society.
  • Plantinga's arguments significantly impact the rationality of religious belief in a pluralistic society by affirming that different belief systems can coexist without needing to conform to a singular standard of evidence. His assertion that beliefs can be properly basic allows for diverse religious experiences to be seen as rational within their contexts. This not only promotes dialogue among different faiths but also encourages understanding that one's faith may hold intrinsic validity without being subjected to external scrutiny or dismissal by secular standards.

Related terms

Reformed Epistemology: A philosophical theory asserting that belief in God can be rationally accepted without evidence, based on the idea that certain beliefs are properly basic.

Proper Basicality: A status attributed to beliefs that do not require evidence or justification to be rationally accepted; they are foundational to a person's belief system.

Evidentialism: The view that beliefs must be supported by sufficient evidence to be considered rational or justified.