Prayer and Self Knowledge: A Religious Exploration of Descartes Philosophy

There is an undeniable innate quest for self-knowledge in man as a rational being.  Yet the question is as to how one can embark on such a search and arrive at a satisfying destination remains as one of life’s philosophical disputes. Such scenario of everyone’s inherent search leads this paper to assert the importance of prayer toward self-knowledge, and consequently the relevance of integrating Christian spirituality in a holistic education. Reflecting on Descartes’ philosophical view as an entry point, this paper shows that in times of arising doubts, a clear and distinct idea of God arises.  Moreover, a brief discussion of the differing views from recent researches exploring different aspects of self-knowledge, which mainly argue on how to gain knowledge of self without falsity, is presented. Support for the thesis that prayer is integral to self-knowledge is taken from the insights and inspired meditations of some classical spiritual figures in the Catholic Church.  In recognizing prayer as an integral means to self-knowledge since it is communion with God, the One for whom every man’s heart is created, educators are encouraged to become instruments in leading every person to the path of true self-knowledge through integrated spiritual and religious education.

Keywords: Practice of prayer, Self-knowledge, Knowledge of God, All-knowing God, Self-awareness, Introspection, Transparency