Philosophy without Revelation

[Oldavid]

It is defide that man can know the existence of God by the light of natural reason.

[Rosarium]

It is defide that man can know the existence of God by the light of natural reason.

Yes, but without revelation, how many would actually know God?

[Oldavid]

The existence of God!
No-one can know God with or without revelation.
Contact via Sacraments God may, (according to our disposition and society) reveal something of Himself.

[iggyting]

The ancients had in all cultures come to an understanding of the "otherness" by reasons alone without revelation. In pre-Christian time, Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle came to the conclusion of monotheism. Their concepts were imperfect though. Plato also calls the one God as gods, the 'intermediary beings" but Aristotle went farther conceiving God as the First Mover, First and Final Cause, and Pure Act. In the East, the existence of God, as gods, or the Moral Order, as in Hinduism and the Chinese philosophies, bear testimony to the "Existence" by reason alone. But only with revelation we are able to know Him more perfectly.

[kjvail]

For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and to the Greek. 17 For the justice of God is revealed therein, from faith unto faith, as it is written: The just man liveth by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of those men that detain the truth of God in injustice: 19 Because that which is known of God is manifest in them. For God hath manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him, from the creation of the world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made; his eternal power also, and divinity: so that they are inexcusable.

21 Because that, when they knew God, they have not glorified him as God, or given thanks; but became vain in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 For professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. 23 And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of the image of a corruptible man, and of birds, and of fourfooted beasts, and of creeping things. 24 Wherefore God gave them up to the desires of their heart, unto uncleanness, to dishonour their own bodies among themselves. 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie; and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.