Philosophy of Religion and Science of Religion: brief incursions in dialogue with Schleiermacher

Abstract

The question of systematic relationship between Philosophy of Religion and Science of Religion remains controversial, even considering some possible points of convergence. Such controversies explicitly or implicitly lead the selection of considered classical authors in the scientific field of religion. This is the case, for example, of the diffuse reception of Schleiermacher’s work (1768-1834), a prominent religious thinker of the 19^th century, whose recognition as one of the pioneers in religion science researches is still subject of disagreement among the current experts. Nevertheless, it is difficult to understand the trajectory of religion theories developed in the last two centuries ignoring the paradigm shift that Schleiermacher opened. Firstly, our proposal is to expose concisely his Philosophy of Religion, in order to justify their due importance here claimed an expose their epistemological program provided an original and innovative model for religious studies in his time, whose methodology left indelible marks for philosophical and scientific investigations on religion.