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 Security Issues in Mobile NFC Devices by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Engineering Geology and Geological Engineering for Sustainable Use of the Earth’s Resources, Urbanization and Infrastructure Protection from Geohazards by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Jihadist Infiltration of Migrant Flows to Europe by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Cause-Effect Structures by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Giovanni Domenico Cassini by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Shōjo Across Media by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Experimental Legislation in China between Efficiency and Legality by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Fault Diagnosis Inverse Problems: Solution with Metaheuristics by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book The Theory of Info-Statics: Conceptual Foundations of Information and Knowledge by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Undergraduate Mathematics Competitions (1995–2016) by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Learning Systems: From Theory to Practice by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Pattern Mining with Evolutionary Algorithms by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Current Trends in Web Engineering by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Atmospheric and Space Sciences: Neutral Atmospheres by Ulrich Steinvorth
Cover of the book Stimulation and Recording Electrodes for Neural Prostheses 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