DAVIS
VITHAYATHIL
Institute of Philosophy, Calvary, Thrissur
Paper Title:“Interface
between Sacred & Secular: A Call Within Metaxological Mindfulness.”
AbstractWilliam
Desmond’s metaxological sense of being entails a strong affirmative
metaphysical vision in the cotemporary world. In this article, I address the
claims by Desmond discussing his philosophical discourses in relation to the
following contentions:
1)
The origin and the nature of metaphysical thinking refer to “an overdetermined
beginning” that speaks the truth of being. The “origin” refers to “what is
given” that is in excess to objectifications and self-determinations. This “too muchness” astonishes us, and takes
us into the originary advent of metaphysical thinking.
2)
The fourfold sense of metaxological thinking articulates the milieu of a
philosophical mindfulness within which the truth of being is well heard. The
argument suggests that a philosophical finesse carries the basic
presuppositions, sources, and orientations towards the “origin” of metaphysical
thinking; and a sustained fidelity to this givenness that is excessive to self-determinations
will enable us to have abundance of this givenness in the midst of things.
3) Such metaxological metaphysical
milieu grants and guarantees the space that is to be continuously sustained in
the interface of sacred and secular. Perhaps philosophy loses its way unless it
inscribes the values that originate from the givenness of being which is in
excess.
It
is proposed in the article that a restoration of metaphysical thinking to its
proper functioning in a reflective mode of a sustained fidelity towards the
origin delivers a promise that provides a better ambience on interface of
sacred and secular. Origin as excess abolishes the sharp distinctions between
sacred and secular; it is a sacredness that is invested with secular; “excess”
becomes the mediating term. Ontological excess displays an ontological richness
that refers to a metaphysics more closely related to the day to day life of
human situations. It is challenge; it is a commitment; it is a call to
attentive listening to metaphysical thinking.
Davis
Vithayathil has a Licentiate in Philosophy from Catholic University, Leuven
(2000-2002) and is currently a doctoral research student at DVK. He has been
teaching Philosophy at Calvary Institute of Philosophy, Thrissur, Kerala.