Abstract
This paper discusses two conceptions of the Filipino expression bahala na. The first implies a fatalistic attitude, while the second implies an open-minded attitude toward an uncertain future. We explore how these two conceptions may be used to frame and address the familiar philosophical puzzle about the compatibility of divine omniscience and human free will.
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Notes
- 1.
The terms Visaya, Tagalog, Ilokano, and Bicolano refer to ethnolinguistic groups in the Visayas, Tagalog, Ilocos, and Bicol regions, respectively.
- 2.
- 3.
The first (published) inquiry into the implications of bahala na to the philosophical problem of fatalism was undertaken by Gripaldo (2005) (Matienzo, 2015). Gripaldo’s work is notable as it outlined the various philosophical positions implied by this Filipino expression and evaluates the “positive” and “negative” features of bahala na. This present work is different from Gripaldo’s since its main focus is to elucidate the implications of the passive and active attitudes implied by bahala na to the concept of divine omniscience.
- 4.
There is a whole literature about the metaphysics of time implied by the indefinite nature of future tense sentences. However, this is already beyond the scope of this present paper. For a discussion of this literature, see (Garrett, 2017, ch. 7).
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Joaquin, J.J. (2023). Bahala Na: Fatalism or an Open Future?. In: Hongladarom, S., Joaquin, J.J., Hoffman, F.J. (eds) Philosophies of Appropriated Religions. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5191-8_7
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