Secularization

An Essay in Normative Metaphysics

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Secularization by Ulrich Steinvorth, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ulrich Steinvorth ISBN: 9783319638713
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: November 2, 2017
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Ulrich Steinvorth
ISBN: 9783319638713
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: November 2, 2017
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

This book answers questions about secularization: Does it dissolve religion, or transform it into faith in a universally valid value? Is it restricted to the west or can it occur everywhere? Using ideas of Max Weber, the book conceives secularization as a process comparable to the rational development of science and production.

What is the value secularization propagates? Sifting historical texts, Steinvorth argues the value is authenticity, to be understood as being true to one’s talents developed in activities that are done for their own sake and provide life with meaning, and as unconditionally commanded.

How can a value be unconditionally demanded? This question leads to an investigation of the self that combines Kant’s ideas on the conditions of the possibility of experience with modern brain science, and to the metaphysical deliberation whether to prefer a world with creatures able to do both good and evil to one without them. 

It is not enough, however, to point to facts. We rather need to understand what secularization, religion and their possible rationality consist in. Max Weber’s sociology of religion has provided us with the conceptual means to do so, which this book develops.

Secularization is rediscovered as the same progress of rationality in the sphere of religion that we find in the development of the spheres of science, art, the economy and politics or public affairs. It proves to be the perfection rather than the dissolution of religion – a perfection that consists in recognizing authenticity as the successor of the absolute of religion. 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book answers questions about secularization: Does it dissolve religion, or transform it into faith in a universally valid value? Is it restricted to the west or can it occur everywhere? Using ideas of Max Weber, the book conceives secularization as a process comparable to the rational development of science and production.

What is the value secularization propagates? Sifting historical texts, Steinvorth argues the value is authenticity, to be understood as being true to one’s talents developed in activities that are done for their own sake and provide life with meaning, and as unconditionally commanded.

How can a value be unconditionally demanded? This question leads to an investigation of the self that combines Kant’s ideas on the conditions of the possibility of experience with modern brain science, and to the metaphysical deliberation whether to prefer a world with creatures able to do both good and evil to one without them. 

It is not enough, however, to point to facts. We rather need to understand what secularization, religion and their possible rationality consist in. Max Weber’s sociology of religion has provided us with the conceptual means to do so, which this book develops.

Secularization is rediscovered as the same progress of rationality in the sphere of religion that we find in the development of the spheres of science, art, the economy and politics or public affairs. It proves to be the perfection rather than the dissolution of religion – a perfection that consists in recognizing authenticity as the successor of the absolute of religion. 

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Historic Mortars by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Biogas Science and Technology by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Geological Setting, Palaeoenvironment and Archaeology of the Red Sea by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Designing Usable and Secure Software with IRIS and CAIRIS by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Internet and Distributed Computing Systems by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Formalizing Natural Languages with NooJ and Its Natural Language Processing Applications by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Proportional Representation by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book High Performance Natural Fiber-Nanoclay Reinforced Cement Nanocomposites by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Human-Computer Interaction. Interaction Contexts by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Essentials of Pericyclic and Photochemical Reactions by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Banking on Health by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Digital Business Models by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Restructuring and Innovation in Banking by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Communications and Networking by Ulrich Steinvorth
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy