Developing Philosophical and Conceptual Approaches to Latter-Day Saint Theology
The Latter-day Saint faith is comparatively young, originating with the revelation of God the Father and Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith in the early 19th Century. Despite the prolific theological developments that occurred during the life of Joseph Smith, there remain many aspects of Latter-day Saint theology and philosophical thought that are ripe for conceptual investigation/development.
The aim of the Latter-day Saint Philosophy Project is to promote philosophical engagement with any aspect of the Latter-day Saint faith. We are interested in promoting projects that (1) seek philosophical self-understanding for Latter-day Saints, or (2) engage comparatively with other philosophical and theological traditions.
Philosophical methods are uniquely equipped to aid in the clarification, articulation, development, and improvement of theological concepts as well as to enrich our understanding of core aspects of the Latter-day Saint faith. Philosophical approaches to theology bring in their wake a better understanding of the faith. Given this better understanding we will see more clearly ways in which Latter-day Saint thought might make substantive contributions to outstanding debates in philosophy and theology.
Our strategy for promoting philosophical engagement consists in organizing and sustaining an international discussion (via hosting workshops, conferences, talks, etc.) including individuals both within and without the Latter-day Saint faith by finding, connecting, and supporting scholars engaging philosophically with aspects of the faith at the highest levels of scholarship. See a list of our upcoming events here.