Theology & Philosophy

Rationalism, Scientism, and Liberty

ABSTRACT

This colloquium explored the twentieth-century notions of objectivism and scientism through the lens of several thinkers including Eric Voegelin, Michael Oakeshott, F. A. Hayek, Leo Strauss, and especially Michael Polanyi.

READING LIST

Conference Readings

Hayek, F. A. The Counter-Revolution of Science: Studies on the Abuse of Reason. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, Inc., 1979.

Oakeshott, Michael. Rationalism in Politics and Other Essays. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 1991.

Polanyi, Michael. Science, Faith and Society. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1964.

Polanyi, Michael. Personal Knowledge: Towards a Post-Critical Philosophy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1974.

Polanyi, Michael. “On the Modern Mind.” Encounter XXIV (May 1965): 12-20.

Strauss, Leo. Liberalism: Ancient and Modern. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1968.

Voegelin, Eric. “On the Origins of Scientism.” Social Research 15 (1948): 462-494.