Philosophy of Nature Forum TRIESTE-NIF (Nature, Intentionality and Finality Research Group) SophiaEuropa

Philosophy of Nature Forum TRIESTE-NIF (Nature, Intentionality and Finality Research Group) SophiaEuropa

Departimento di Filosofia
Universitá degli Studi di Trieste
Rome

Considering particularly the transition from collecting experimental data (nature) to philosophical and theological interpretation (intentionality and finality), core group members will study the boundary between defining knowledge, processes of intelligence, and ideas of truth and meaning in experimental sciences, philosophy, and theology. The group boasts leaders in fields of physics, philosophy, ontology, theology, political science, hermeneutics, and ethics. Members will also survey the metaphysics of the classical argument of God’s existence, focusing on theories of evolution that support teleological explanation. Based on the work of Jaques Maritan and Maurice Blondel as foundational starting points –maintaining that it is the habit (and requirement) of human intelligence to elaborate data and consider ‘facts’ as signs of supersensible reality – explorations will consider disciplinary perspectives on origins to establish where domains of science, philosophy, and theology provide authority. The group holds member meetings to present results of research in different subjects (physics, philosophy, religion, etc.), and organizes public seminars to promote interdisciplinary exchange and consider varying perspectives. A dedicated web forum invites member-only participation, including that of other SophiaEuropa groups and researchers in the field, and introduces to the public materials generated by their works. The University of Trieste and the International Jaques Maritan Institute provide matching funds.