Is "God" still relevant on a philosophical level...?

Question

...or is "God" merely convenient "filler" for a gaping void in one's own "system?"

Answer 1

REALITY is ALWAYS relevant to philosophy. Bear with me... I'm probably not going with this where you think I am.

Philosophy is nominally tasked with discovering the truth. All of it. This is why all of science grew out of philosophy - using objective, empirical methods is a great way of getting at physical truths. This is also ultimately why science will not take over altogether - not every truth is a physical one.

Various gods may also be a part of reality. If they exist or interact in any physically detectable way, it is even possible that they may someday be a part of science. And even if they do not, as part of reality, they would still be relevant. Even in nonexistance, their nonexistance would be relevant to philosophy as limitations on the systems that are.

Some people do use their god is a spackle to cover over holes they'd rather not peer into. But some people use their god as a tool to explain those holes. Presumably, whoever is using the best tools in the best ways will eventually be more successful than those who flail away blindly.

We shall just have to see.

Answer 2

No more than man is or systems which have gaping voids, all of these only filler for the lack of thinking or philosophical reasoning.

Answer 3

When a philosophical question is answered, then it ceases to be a philosophical matter, it becomes the property of physics or science.

So, yes, God will be relevant on a philosophical level until evidence arrives to support the theistic or atheistic faith.

WHY: because this subject is unanswered and not understood, without the use of faith.

~Toll Booth Willy

Answer 4

If you're talking about God as a Father/Judge in the sky, then no, that concept is completely irrelevant. People who believe in that are basically using it as a place to stop thinking -- as you say, "filler for a gaping void" (in reason).

However, I think God as a transcendental unity, collective consciousness, or totality of everything can be a useful component of philosophy. There's no objective reason for believing in any transcendent reality -- except perhaps the existential angst of not believing in it -- but if you choose to posit such a reality, it opens a lot of philosophical doors.

Answer 5

I would think God would be MORE relevant on a philosophical level than anywhere else. Without proof. God is after all, a philosophical construct.

Answer 6

Which God is it that you are referring to? And if you make an attempt to sort out an answer to that question, you are thinking philosophically about such a thing. Further, even in the denial of a God you will have to make your case for your objections and formulate arguments and offer distinctions. The implications of your own question provides you with your answer.

Answer 7

You're correct.....He's the filler of a gaping hole in our hearts and souls but not merely so. We don'r even know KNOW what is relevant or what we want. God knows what we NEED to fill it......... and it's Him.

Answer 8

it depends on what you mean by "God." when i see "God" mentioned near the word "philosophy" i think one is referring to metaphysics. so, with that said, metaphysics is of incredible relevance.

but, if you are talking about the God commonly associated with the Abrahamic religions (man with white beard that is all knowing, all powerful, and all benevolent) then nope.

Answer 9

no God is def. not a "filler" but actually the only answer to the philosophic questions of life and origin

Answer 10

God has nothing to do with philosophy. Perhaps you're thinking of theosophy.

But my opinion is that rather than asking whether God is still relevant to us, we should ponder whether we're still relevant to God.