Inter-disciplinary Dialogue between Theology and Philosophy: Buber's Contribution to the Conversation

Interdisciplinary dialogue between Religion and Philosophy in academic contexts is often assumed to be both desirable and achievable. However, Buber’s understanding of dialogue and key elements in his theological stance seriously challenge these assumptions. An example considered is the sharp contrast he draws between the ‘God of the Philosophers’ and the ‘God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’; this highlights his characteristic approach. The recent emergence of transdisciplinary approaches to dialogue and possible implications for contemporary interdisciplinary engagement are discussed. Presented by Dr Ray Reddicliffe.