Abstract

This study focuses on Karl Rahner's essay "The Theology of the Symbol" . Chapter 1 defines the study's object and method. The object is to demonstrate how Rahner develops his metaphysics of symbol as an original synthesis by mediating Thomist sources through the tradition embodied in Kant through Heidegger. The method of the study is 'retrieval', which Rahner himself uses to develop his synthesis. Borrowed from Heidegger, retrieval uses creative or interpretive exegesis to render explicit what is implicit in a source by reading it in light of other sources. ;The subsequent four chapters explicate the origins of Rahner's metaphysics in the following symbol-theories: Thomas Aquinas' sacramental theology, especially the Eucharist ; Kant ; Gothe ; Hegel's 'representation' , 1 and 3); Marechal's 'dynamic finality' of the intellect ; Heidegger . Each theory is 'retrieved' in light of Rahner's real-symbolism. ;The final two chapters trace the development of Rahner's metaphysics. This is broken into four components: self-consummation, analogy, efficaciousness, and self-expressiveness. Self-consummation, in turn, consists of two elements. The first, a distinctive type of 'intrinsic' causality, has origins in Thomas's metaphysics and sacramental theology, in Marechal, and in Kant. The second element, a synthesis of substance and an immanent ontological dialectic, has similar origins in Thomas and origins in Hegel. Analogy has origins in the doctrine of the Trinity, in Rahner's own metaphysics of knowledge, and in Gothe. Efficaciousness has its origin in Thomas's sacramental theology; whereas self-expressiveness has its origin in Heidegger. ;The study offers four general conclusions: that Rahner modifies Heidegger's retrieval; that Rahner's method constitutes a 'real-symbolic hermeneutic' which weds method to content; that the implicit influence of Gothe and Hegel on Rahner are as significant as the explicit influence of Kant; and that the study itself is a metaphysical exercise because it illumines being to itself