Hartshorne, Charles

(b. 1897)

   Philosopher.

   Hartshorne was born in Pennsylvania and was educated at Haverford College and at the Universities of Harvard, Freiberg and Marburg. He has taught philosophy at the University of Chicago, at Emory University and at the University of Texas. He is regarded as a leading proponent of process theology. Developing the thought of A.N. whitehead, he teaches the doctrine of panentheism, that everything is in God. This differs from Pantheism in that God’s being is not identical with the being of the universe. It allows for the possibility of constant change and development within the godhead and his nature is perceived as endlessly adaptable. Even his omniscience entails foreknowledge, not of future events, but of future possibilities. Hartshorne argues that this view is closer than the classical idea to the biblical picture of the Almighty. He is the author of many books, including Man’s Vision of God, The Divine Relativity, A Natural Theology for our Time, Omnipotence and Other Theological Mistakes and Wisdom and Moderation: A Philosophy of the Middle Way.

   Charles Hartshorne, The Darkness and the Light: A Philosopher Reflects on his Fortunate Career and Those who made it Possible (1990);

   J.B. Cobb and H. Daly, Process Theology: An Introductory Exposition (1989).