Pere Lluís Font, a 91-year-old philosopher and theologian, reflects on faith, reason, and the Catalan language. Font, translator of philosophers like Descartes, Pascal, and Kant into Catalan, discusses his journey from seminary to becoming a philosopher. He emphasizes the compatibility of Christian faith with modern culture.
Font believes the Catholic Church has historically been defensive towards modern culture. He advocates for dialogue and intellectual engagement. He recalls his time in Toulouse, France, where he discovered modern thought, contrasting it with the medieval cultural environment of his upbringing in the Pallars region of Catalonia.
Discussing the teaching of philosophy, Font cautions against indoctrination. He stresses the importance of intellectual honesty and respecting individual thought. He touches on the relationship between faith and reason, arguing they are coextensive to a certain point.
Font addresses the decline of Catalan language usage. He recalls a significant drop in habitual Catalan speakers in Catalonia. He emphasizes the language's importance as "el nervi de la nacio" [the nerve of the nation]. He advocates for better language education, drawing inspiration from the Finnish model of prioritizing the best teachers.
Regarding Catalan independence, Font expresses his aspiration for it alongside social progress. He acknowledges the current challenges and divisions among independentist parties. He recognizes the current socialist government of Spain and the limitations it imposes.