Philosophy and Theology

Volume 22, Issue 1/2, 2010

Overcoming the Foundationalist/Nonfoundationalist Divide
Karl Rahner’s Transcendental Hermeneutics

In this paper I argue that Karl Rahner’s theological method, properly understood as a method of transcendental hermeneutics, overcomes the impasse in contemporary theology between foundationalist and nonfoundationalist methods. Though Rahner is indeed a metaphysical foundationalist, his method is nevertheless epistemologically nonfoundational. In short, Rahner’s understanding of the radical contingency of subjectivity disallows the possibility of reliance on certain and indubitable principles of knowledge. I contend that an understanding of the nonfoundational elements of Rahner’s method will point towards the continued relevance of his method for our present period.