The subject in the face of freedom and evil

theological and philosophical reflections from Paul Ricoeu

Abstract

The text «La Symbolique du mal» is the third volume of Paul Ricoeur’s philosophical project on a philosophy of will. Ricoeur explores the transition from failure to lack and the symbolic expressions of evil in various cultural traditions. He emphasizes that symbols of evil «prompt thinking,» challenging thought to go beyond. Ricoeur addresses guilt as requiring reconciliation with the past, using an analogy with the theological-anthropological scheme «Creation-Fall-Redemption.» The author underscores the importance of mythical language in understanding evil and lack, introducing hermeneutics as the gateway to interpreting symbols. The text also discusses primary symbols of evil, emphasizing the need for symbolic language to comprehend the experience of evil. Ricoeur explores symbols of stain and sin, relating them to guilt, purification, and the notion of covenant. Reflection on evil is presented as a challenge to thought, inviting deeper consideration and a differentiated approach.