Mercier and Zimmermann on the Relationship between Philosophy and Theology

In this paper, a comparison is made between Mercier’s and Zimmermann’s views on the relationship between theology and philosophy, in order to determine whether Mercier influenced Zimmermann in this regard. Several issues are relevant in this context: first, whether theology should be a positive or a negative norm of philosophy, second, what should be the domain of the normative impact of theology on philosophy, and third, whether that impact is, from a logical point of view, merely allowable or necessary. The research resulted in the following findings: first, both Mercier and Zimmermann hold the opinion that theology should be a negative norm of philosophy, second, contrary to Mercier, Zimmermann holds that theology should not only be a negative but also a positive norm of philosophy, third, while Mercier believes that the normative impact of theology on philosophy should be strictly restricted only to the results of philosophical research, Zimmermann sees no problem in extending the impact to cover not only the results but also the very process of philosophical research, and fourth, both Mercier and Zimmermann consider the impact to be logically necessary, rather than merely allowable, but the necessity is founded, according to Mercier, on revealed truths being mediately evident and absolutely certain, whereas Zimmermann considers it founded on revealed truths being guaranteed and morally certain. The conclusion reads that Mercier left no significant mark on Zimmermann’s views on the relationship between theology and philosophy.