Charles Hartshorne and the Community-Centric View of Perfection

Charles Hartshorne, an American philosopher, made significant contributions to process philosophy and process theology. His statement, "The perfect individual requires a community," encapsulates his belief in the interdependence of individuality and community, and how perfection is intricately tied to relationality.

 

Understanding the Statement

Interdependence of the Individual and Community:

 

Hartshorne suggests that true perfection in an individual cannot be realized in isolation. Rather, it is deeply entwined with one's relationships and interactions within a community.

 

An individual's growth, understanding, and development are often shaped by their connections, shared experiences, and collective endeavors within a community.

 

Perfection Beyond Solitary Attributes:

 

While traditional notions of perfection might focus on individual traits or attributes, Hartshorne broadens the scope. He implies that perfection is not just about personal attributes but also about one's ability to engage, contribute to, and flourish within a community.

 

Implications for Individuality and Social Existence

Flourishing through Relationships:

 

Humans, as inherently social beings, often find meaning, purpose, and growth through relationships. These interactions, whether they're based on kinship, friendship, collaboration, or shared goals, enrich the individual's perspective and understanding.

 

Hartshorne suggests that these relational experiences are essential components of achieving perfection as an individual.

 

Community as a Reflection and Catalyst:

 

A community reflects the collective values, knowledge, and aspirations of its members. It acts as both a mirror and a catalyst for an individual's growth.

 

While the community benefits from the contributions of its members, individuals, in turn, are molded, challenged, and nurtured by the community's collective wisdom and experiences.

 

Hartshorne's Process Philosophy Context

Becoming and Relationality:

 

Hartshorne's process philosophy posits a world in constant flux, where "becoming" is primary over "being." In such a dynamic framework, relationships and interactions become paramount.

 

The individual's journey towards perfection is a continuous process, shaped and refined by their engagement with the community.

 

Divine Relationality:

 

Extending his philosophy to theology, Hartshorne viewed God as deeply relational. For him, God is in constant interaction with the world, affected by it, and evolving with it. This divine model emphasizes the significance of relationality and community at even the highest levels.

 

In conclusion, Charles Hartshorne's perspective on perfection and community underscores the profound interconnectedness of individual and collective existence. By positing that a "perfect individual requires a community," Hartshorne emphasizes the value of relationships, shared experiences, and collective endeavors in the journey towards individual completeness and fulfillment.