Plurality of Catholic Metaphysical Frameworks

John Paul II's encyclical Fides et ratio recognizes the possibility of the existence of different Catholic metaphysical conceptions. Using the issue of transubstantiation as the central expression of the Catholic faith as an example, the suitability of current systems of analytic metaphysics is examined for their use within Catholic philosophy. Those that enable such a use are labeled as suitable in a broad sense for Catholic theology. Moreover, using the example of a truth of faith concerning the relationship between soul and body, an examination was undertaken which showed that, even within the framework of metaphysical conceptions which are suitable in a broad sense, they must remain open for this particular truth of faith if they are to be suitable, not only in a broad, but also in a narrow sense, for their use in Catholic theology.

Keywords: Catholic metaphysics; Substance; Transubstantiation; Matter and form; Analytic ontology