The Doctrine of the Trinity: Intellectual Construct or Ontological Reality? Reflections from the Philosophy of Science

Abstract

This article draws on the distinction between instrumentalism and realism in the philosophy of science to consider the merits of two possible approaches to the doctrine of the Trinity. One considers this doctrine to be an intellectual construct, which coordinates multiple insights about the nature and action of God; the other considers it to be a statement about the ontological reality of God. After considering some of the scientific issues associated with each of these positions, it is argued that the Trinity can be helpfully envisaged theologically in both these manners, providing that they are not separated or considered to be incompatible. The article concludes by exploring the potential contribution of each approach to contemporary theological reflection.