Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate that Michael Polanyi’s account of “moral inversion” provides a useful heuristic for elucidating various other themes in his philosophical writings. The essay first provides a summary of Polanyi’s description of the nature and emergence of moral inversion, chiefly as found in his essay, Beyond Nihilism. The essay then examines the work of three scholars who have offered various critiques and elaborations of Polanyi’s account of inversion. Finally, the essay advances several arguments aimed at clarifying the spiritual and religious nature of the challenge presented by inversion, and suggests the practice of the Eucharist provides helpful insights for addressing and overcoming the challenge of inversion.