The Three Principles – Agathological, Axiological and Dialogical – as the Foundation of Józef Tischner’s Reflection on the Drama of Human Existence

Abstract

This article attempts to systematize the foundations and main themes of Tischner’s dramatic reflection. In the course of the analyses conducted, three principles governing this reflection were distinguished: the agathological principle, the axiological principle and the dialogical principle. In addition to the differences between these principles, two common features were identified: their primacy over the classical ontological approach and their common philosophical-theological character. Particular emphasis was put on establishing the theological aspect as an inalienable and integral structural element of each of these principles. On this basis, two key laws governing Tischner’s drama were derived: the law of growth towards good in the spirit of sacrifice and the law of plunging into evil in the spirit of despair. The article concludes with a reflection on Tischner’s understanding of the hope of salvation.