Dictionary of Philosophy of Religion

244

WOLFF, CHRISTIAN

foundation (the picture theory of lan-
guage) was unsuccessful. In his second,
mature work, he contended that philo-
sophical problems arise when we are
bewitched by language; the traditional
arena of philosophy (Can we know about
the external world? How is the mind
related to the body? What is time? Why
believe God exists?) can be dissolved once
we lead terms like “world,” “mind,” “body,”
“time,” “God,” and so on back to their
proper home in ordinary discourse. His
later views are captured in his highly
influential The Philosophical Investigations
(1953). See also RELIGIOUS LANGUAGE.

WOLFF, CHRISTIAN (1679–1750).
German Enlightenment and rationalist
philosopher and mathematician, Wolff

was the link between the philosophies of

Leibniz and Kant. His conviction that

theological truths must be based upon

mathematical certitude led to conflict

with the Pietists. Wolff promoted the use

of the German language in education and

research.

WOMEN. See FEMINIST PHILOSO-

PHY OF RELIGION.

WORSHIP. Homage, praise, awesome

reverence owed to the divine. In some

cases, worship may involve fear and joy.

In classical theism, the idea that God is

worthy of worship is considered founda-

tional to the very concept of God.