In Pursuit of Adequate Anthropology: Difficulties and Postulates

Jan WADOWSKI

Studium Nauk Humanistycznych i Społecznych Politechniki Wrocławskiej, Zespół Badawczy Antropologii Filozoficznej i Etyki, plac Grunwaldzki 11, Budynek C7, pok. 1005, 50-377 Wrocław, Poland , Poland

Abstract

The main aim of the paper is to discuss the issue of adequate anthropology. Philosophical anthropology as a scholarly discipline developed in 20th century, but soon it lost its vivacity. A majority of the contemporary concepts of the human being may be described as reductionist. The subsequent application of such reduced models in the social life has contributed to an increase in dysfunctions and pathologies. As a result the human being experiences various forms of alienation and estrangement.

The so called ‘problem of man’ calls for multidimensional analyses. The author postulates that while a focus on ethics and axiology is certainly important, the actual basis of the future integral anthropology should be universal spirituality. This kind of discourse, however, would involve going beyond the first, the second and the third person perspectives. Elaboration of a universal and metacultural category of humanity, one based on a holistic model of spirituality, seems essential.

Humanity comprises capability of participating, in a dialogical way, in spiritual values. The ultimate need is then to create a non-arbitrary and impartial philosophy of the human being capable of generating a grand narrative for the whole planet.

Keywords:

adequate anthropology, reductionism, humanity, spirituality, grand narrative