The Historical Interconnection of Philosophy, Theology, and Morality

This chapter explores the intertwined nature of philosophy, theology, and morality in the ancient world, discussing how philosophers like Plato and Christian writers like Chrysostom recognized the pursuit of wisdom as intertwined with the love of God. It delves into the convergence of ideas among pagan philosophers, Jews, and Christians around realism, theism, and understanding the cosmos, exploring the development of these concepts in the Christian East and Latin West through figures like Augustine of Hippo. The chapter also addresses challenges presented by empiricism, skepticism, and idealism in philosophy, leading to shifts in understanding morality and progress towards materialism and utilitarianism.