The Scope of Philosophical Reasoning
After Father Paneloux’s sermon, Dr. Rieux had a philosophical conversation with his close friend Jean Tarrou.
Tarrou squared his shoulders against the back of the chair, then moved his head forward into the light.
“Do you believe in God, doctor?”
Again the question was put in an ordinary tone. But this time Rieux took longer to find his answer.
“No, but what does that really mean? I’m fumbling in the dark, struggling to make something out. But I’ve long ceased finding that original.”
“Isn’t that it, the gulf between Paneloux and you?” [Later in about 40 pages, Rieux had a similar dialogue with Paneloux.]
The conversation surrounds the thorny theological issues of believing an omnipotent and loving God while facing the gruesome reality of a plague. Quite similar to our situation in US today.
- What do you think?
- Do you think more people will away from faith in God in this epidemic?
- Or people may turn to religious faith more in times of distress? Or it won’t make a different?
- Please post your view (400 words) and a feedback to another student. You can agree or disagree with other’s view.
Requirement: You have to post 1 view and 1 feedback (disagreement) in order to receive the 4 points. (If you post your view too early before other students, please come back later to feedback to other students.)
Rubric of Grading:
- Your main post of view has to be a paragraph, defined as 4-6 sentences.
- Your main post must express clearly your view. Cannot be vague.
- You must respond to another student’s post.
- Deduction will be made in case of uncivil comments. Ad hominem.