Think about the most difficult thing

In this article, we compile the short films and videos recently published on YouTube for those who want to watch them all together. Each one is an invitation to reflect on a fascinating and complex topic: the existence of God from a philosophical and rational perspective.

In this first part, we discuss how to rationally address this question. Philosophy allows us to broaden our intellectual horizons, freeing us from the dictatorship of single-minded thinking that has predominated in recent centuries, influenced by the so-called philosophers of suspicion  (Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, Foucault).

“Man is an animal of realities” – Xavier Zubiri

This phrase sums up the central idea: human beings not only perceive stimuli, but also grasp reality itself and confront the mystery of reality, including questions about God and transcendence.

Science and philosophy: different fields

Books often appear claiming that science can “prove” the existence of God. There are also authors who argue the opposite, supporting atheism. Both approaches are partially correct :

• Science studies how the universe works: the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology. It cannot prove or deny the existence of God.

• Philosophy addresses the ultimate cause or metaphysical foundation of the universe, that which transcends the observable.

For example, the priest and astronomer Georges Lemaître, creator of the Big Bang model, warned that this model does not prove the existence of God, but rather describes the evolution of the observable universe. The question of an ultimate origin remains open.

Human intelligence and openness to reality

One of Zubiri’s most important ideas is that human beings are creatures of realities. This means that:

• We perceive more than stimuli: we grasp the consistency and structure of reality.

• We can delve deeper into what we perceive, asking ourselves about the meaning of things.

• Our intelligence allows us to advance, explore and take care of reality.

We are, as Pascal said, “thinking reeds,”  fragile beings who could easily disappear, but aware of our existence and the surrounding universe. This awareness connects us to mystery and propels us toward transcendence.

Transcendence: going beyond the immediate

Transcendence is an innate characteristic of human beings. It drives us to seek, understand,  and explore that which lies beyond the tangible. It is reflected in:

• Art and architecture:  Examples such as the spires of the Alcázar of Segovia point upwards, symbolizing the search for the transcendent.

• Culture and science:  They allow us to ask questions about the origin of the universe and the meaning of life.

• Daily life:  We care for other beings, transmit knowledge and reflect on our environment.

Transcendence is an essential dimension of our existence, not a secondary option. While animals live within closed patterns, humans always seek to go beyond.

Metaphysical Realism: A Philosophical Starting Point

To approach the existence of God from reason, we adopt Metaphysical Realism, defended by philosophers such as Aristotle, Saint Thomas Aquinas and Xavier Zubiri :

1. Reality exists independently of our thoughts or opinions.

2. Human beings perceive the consistency of reality and can delve into it through intelligence.

3. This ability allows us to move forward, explore and search for meaning, distinguishing us from animals.

Philosophical realism prepares us to ask ourselves: Where do we come from? Where are we going? What is the ultimate foundation of reality?

The mystery of reality and human intelligence

Human intelligence allows us to open ourselves to the mystery of reality:

• Reflect on our existence and that of the universe.

• Asking ourselves the question about God and the ultimate cause.

• Taking care of our reality, other human beings, and the environment.

Our intelligence is an evolutionary innovation that defines us as individuals. It allows us to advance, explore, and progress, perceiving reality as something broader and more complex than immediate stimuli.

The role of philosophy in the search for meaning

Philosophy allows us to analyze the world in depth, beyond the superficial activities of daily life. It teaches us to:

• Critically examine our beliefs and prejudices.

• Explore the transcendence and existence of God from the perspective of reason.

• Reflect on our lives, our happiness, and our place in the universe.

“You must choose. There are only two options: mystery or absurdity.” – Advice from a philosopher to a French politician

Mystery invites us to delve deeper, while absurdity pushes us to flee from the essential questions of our existence.

An invitation to think

These videos and this article are not intended to provide definitive answers, but rather to inspire reflection. Philosophy allows us to rationally explore the mystery of existence and transcendence.

Our intelligence drives us to seek, advance, and understand, connecting us with the deepest part of our human nature. The question of God and the ultimate foundation of the universe is an intellectual and spiritual path, open to those who wish to reflect and delve deeper into reality.

In future instalments, we will continue exploring how philosophical reason can illuminate the existence of God and the mystery of reality, leaving the experience of faith for another avenue.