Quid est homo?
The title of our series is taken from the Vulgate translation of Psalm 8, verse 4: "What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?"
In this series we invite distinguished personalist thinkers and scholars to lead us in reflecting on aspects of the mystery of personal existence, with the aim of helping us understand it better and live it out more fully.
Our inquiries are not conducted in an attitude of detached, scientific curiosity, but of genuine wonder and gratitude, so that our very question becomes almost an act of worship. Yet it remains essentially a philosophical inquiry, not a theological one. Our starting point is experience rather than doctrine, and believers and unbelievers alike are more than welcome to join us in the search.
In keeping with the tradition established by Socrates, who, in contrast with the sophists of his day, offered his philosophy freely, not for pay, there is no charge for our public lectures.
Donations to offset costs and help provide for future work are accepted gratefully.
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It must not be forgotten that reason too needs to be sustained in all its searching by trusting dialogue and sincere friendship. A climate of suspicion and distrust, which can beset speculative research, ignores the teaching of the ancient philosophers who proposed friendship as one of the most appropriate contexts for sound philosophical enquiry.
John Paul II, Fides et Ratio
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