Mathematics as a Way Towards the Creative Logos: Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI’s Understanding of Scientificity

Abstract

The article presents Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI’s view on mathematics as a way towards the creative Logos, and at the same time shows the understanding of scientificity presented by the present Pope Emeritus. For Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI, mathematics is not only a tool of empirical sciences. The Pope looks at mathematics as: (1) a product of human intelligence, which, when reflected upon more deeply, also (2) leads to wonder and amazement at the mathematical character of created nature. Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI considers the latter phenomenon as a way that can lead one towards the creative Logos. In this way, he presents a view on mathematics that goes against the current approach, which often tends towards the self-limitation of reason, towards accepting as the criterion of scientificity only that what is a result of mere cooperation between mathematics and empirics. According to the Pope, it is not science that redeems humans; they are redeemed by Love, by the incarnate Logos. Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI shows the primacy of creative Reason as the decisive and indelible foundation of Christian faith.

Keywords

• Benedict XVI
• mathematics
• Logos
• reason
• science