Learning and legitimacy: On faith and knowledge in This Too a History of Philosophy by Jürgen Habermas

Abstract

Habermas´ last book Auch eine Geschichte der Philosophie (2019). engages a reconstruction of the historical genealogy of postmetaphysical thought from a remarkable perspective: The relationship between faith and knowledge. In this paper I will present two key elements of this relationship. First, I will examine the concept of “learning process”, its way of operating in the history of thought and of institutions, the progressive “lingüistification” of the contents of faith, the influences of the relationship of faith and knowledge in learning processes, and the role of philosophy in this history. Second, I will research a particular aspect related to practical philosophy: the process of legitimation of norms, institutions and decisions. In this regards, I wil analyze the advance promoted by the relationship of faith and knowlede in political, moral and legal legitimacy issues. I will show the main milestones of all three fields, their relationship, and the paradigms that based those positions. I will show how Habermas finds the origin of his universalist and procedimentalist position in a path where the theological reflection was indispensable. Along this reconstruction I will also show the contribution that Habermas still considers valid for religious discourse in a secular context.  Finally I will offer a brief critical reflection.