Michael C. Rea is an American philosopher specializing in metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and analytic theology. He is currently a Rev. John A. O'Brien Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, where he has taught since 1995.
Rea is a prominent figure in contemporary analytic philosophy, known for his rigorous defense of various positions in metaphysics and his significant contributions to the philosophy of religion. His work often engages with foundational questions concerning the nature of reality, the existence of God, and the intersection of philosophy and theology.
Key Areas of Research:
- Metaphysics: Rea's work in metaphysics explores topics such as physicalism, naturalism, modality, and the nature of objects. He is particularly known for his critiques of naturalism and his arguments for the possibility of non-physical entities.
- Philosophy of Religion: He has written extensively on traditional problems in the philosophy of religion, including the problem of evil, the problem of divine hiddenness, and arguments for the existence of God. He often employs sophisticated metaphysical tools to address these religious questions.
- Analytic Theology: Rea is a leading proponent of analytic theology, a movement that advocates for applying the methods and standards of analytic philosophy to theological topics. He co-founded the Society of Christian Philosophers' "Analytic Theology Project" and has been instrumental in fostering dialogue between philosophers and theologians.
Notable Contributions:
- Critique of Naturalism: In his influential book World Without Design: The Ontological Consequences of Naturalism (2002), Rea argues that naturalism—the view that everything is ultimately physical—faces significant ontological challenges and is less parsimonious than often assumed.
- Defense of Theism: While engaging deeply with objections to religious belief, Rea consistently defends the rationality and intellectual viability of theism, often providing novel arguments or defenses for traditional theological doctrines.
- Philosophical Theology: Through his numerous publications and edited volumes, he has helped to establish analytic theology as a respected sub-discipline within both philosophy and theology.
Selected Works:
- World Without Design: The Ontological Consequences of Naturalism (Oxford University Press, 2002)
- Analytic Theology: New Essays in the Philosophy of Theology (co-edited with Oliver D. Crisp, Oxford University Press, 2009)
- Metaphysics: The Basics (Routledge, 2014)
- The Philosophy of Religion: A Guide and Anthology (co-edited with William Lane Craig, Routledge, 2009)
Academic Affiliations:
- University of Notre Dame, Rev. John A. O'Brien Professor of Philosophy
- Former President, Society of Christian Philosophers