Relativism and Religion

Relativism and Religion PDF Author: Carlo Invernizzi Accetti
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 023154037X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
Moral relativism is deeply troubling for those who believe that, without a set of moral absolutes, democratic societies will devolve into tyranny or totalitarianism. Engaging directly with this claim, Carlo Invernizzi Accetti traces the roots of contemporary anti-relativist fears to the antimodern rhetoric of the Catholic Church and then rescues a form of philosophical relativism for modern, pluralist societies, arguing that this viewpoint provides the firmest foundation for an allegiance to democracy. In his analyses of the relationship between religious arguments and political authority and the implications of philosophical relativism for democratic theory, Accetti makes a far-ranging contribution to contemporary debates over the revival of religion in politics and the conceptual grounds for a commitment to democracy. He presents the first comprehensive genealogy of anti-relativist discourse and reclaims for English-speaking readers the overlooked work of Hans Kelsen on the connection between relativism and democracy. By engaging with contemporary attempts to replace the religious foundation of democratic values with a neo-Kantian conception of reason, Accetti also makes a powerful case for relativism as the best basis for a civic ethos that integrates different perspectives into democratic politics.

Relativism and Religion

Relativism and Religion PDF Author: Carlo Invernizzi Accetti
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 023154037X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 288

Get Book Here

Book Description
Moral relativism is deeply troubling for those who believe that, without a set of moral absolutes, democratic societies will devolve into tyranny or totalitarianism. Engaging directly with this claim, Carlo Invernizzi Accetti traces the roots of contemporary anti-relativist fears to the antimodern rhetoric of the Catholic Church and then rescues a form of philosophical relativism for modern, pluralist societies, arguing that this viewpoint provides the firmest foundation for an allegiance to democracy. In his analyses of the relationship between religious arguments and political authority and the implications of philosophical relativism for democratic theory, Accetti makes a far-ranging contribution to contemporary debates over the revival of religion in politics and the conceptual grounds for a commitment to democracy. He presents the first comprehensive genealogy of anti-relativist discourse and reclaims for English-speaking readers the overlooked work of Hans Kelsen on the connection between relativism and democracy. By engaging with contemporary attempts to replace the religious foundation of democratic values with a neo-Kantian conception of reason, Accetti also makes a powerful case for relativism as the best basis for a civic ethos that integrates different perspectives into democratic politics.

Relativism, Nihilism, and God

Relativism, Nihilism, and God PDF Author: Philip E. Devine
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780268016401
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 119

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Book Description
This book presents a defense of the reality of God in the sense in which Nietzsche proclaimed His death. It explores various contemporary versions of Nietzsche's maxim God is dead and proposes an alternative to them. Philip E.Devine critically examines three views that, in one way or another, accept the death of God and take it as central to the intellectual life: pragmatism, which asserts that the only end of the intellectual life is the pursuit of worldly goods other than truth; relativism', which admits a multiplicity of truths corresponding to the modes of life pursued by human beings; and nihilism, to which the pursuit of truth is a deception. Devine then defends his own position on the nature of God and religion and argues for a convergence between the concerns of faith and philosophy.

Relativism

Relativism PDF Author: Francis J. Beckwith
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 0801058066
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 192

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Book Description
A critique of moral relativism, the belief that there exists no objective moral standards that apply to every place, person, and time.

A Refutation of Moral Relativism

A Refutation of Moral Relativism PDF Author: Peter Kreeft
Publisher: Ignatius Press
ISBN: 0898707315
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 188

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Book Description
No issue is more fateful for civilization than moral relativism. History knows not one example of a successful society which repudiated moral absolutes. Yet most attacks on relativism have been either pragmatic (looking at its social consequences) or exhorting (preaching rather than proving), and philosophers' arguments against it have been specialized, technical, and scholarly. In his typical unique writing style, Peter Kreeft lets an attractive, honest, and funny relativist interview a "Muslim fundamentalist" absolutist so as not to stack the dice personally for absolutism. In an engaging series of personal interviews, every conceivable argument the "sassy Black feminist" reporter Libby gives against absolutism is simply and clearly refuted, and none of the many arguments for moral absolutism is refuted.

The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Relativism

The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Relativism PDF Author: Martin Kusch
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351052284
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 735

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Book Description
Relativism can be found in all philosophical traditions and subfields of philosophy. It is also a central idea in the social sciences, the humanities, religion and politics. This is the first volume to map relativistic motifs in all areas of philosophy, synchronically and diachronically. It thereby provides essential intellectual tools for thinking about contemporary issues like cultural diversity, the plurality of the sciences, or the scope of moral values. The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Relativism is an outstanding major reference source on this fundamental topic. The 57 chapters by a team of international contributors are divided into nine parts: Relativism in non-Western philosophical traditions Relativism in Western philosophical traditions Relativism in ethics Relativism in political and legal philosophy Relativism in epistemology Relativism in metaphysics Relativism in philosophy of science Relativism in philosophy of language and mind Relativism in other areas of philosophy. Essential reading for students and researchers in all branches of philosophy, this handbook will also be of interest to those in related subjects such as politics, religion, sociology, cultural studies and literature.

Christianity, Truth, and Weakening Faith

Christianity, Truth, and Weakening Faith PDF Author: Gianni Vattimo
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231520417
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 134

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Book Description
The debate over the place of religion in secular, democratic societies dominates philosophical and intellectual discourse. These arguments often polarize around simplistic reductions, making efforts at reconciliation impossible. Yet more rational stances do exist, positions that broker a peace between relativism and religion in people's public, private, and ethical lives. Christianity, Truth, and Weakening Faith advances just such a dialogue, featuring the collaboration of two major philosophers known for their progressive approach to this issue. Seeking unity over difference, Gianni Vattimo and René Girard turn to Max Weber, Eric Auerbach, and Marcel Gauchet, among others, in their exploration of truth and liberty, relativism and faith, and the tensions of a world filled with new forms of religiously inspired violence. Vattimo and Girard ultimately conclude that secularism and the involvement (or lack thereof) of religion in governance are, in essence, produced by Christianity. In other words, Christianity is "the religion of the exit from religion," and democracy, civil rights, the free market, and individual freedoms are all facilitated by Christian culture. Through an exchange that is both intimate and enlightening, Vattimo and Girard share their unparalleled insight into the relationships among religion, modernity, and the role of Christianity, especially as it exists in our multicultural world.

Between Relativism and Fundamentalism

Between Relativism and Fundamentalism PDF Author: Peter L. Berger
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 0802863876
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
Our contemporary culture is dominated by two extremes relativism and fundamentalism. Neither is desirable: relativism claims that all questions of truth are irrelevant, whereas fundamentalism insists on sole possession of absolute truth. Internationally renowned sociologist of religion Peter Berger has gathered a group of scholars to consider how, from out of different traditions, one can define a middle position between both extremes. / After an extensive introductory overview by Berger, three essays ( sociological descriptions ) give an objective picture of how relativism and fundamentalism play out in today s world. In the second part ( theological directions ) authors from several different Christian traditions and one conservative Jewish tradition flesh out a normative middle ground that is neither relativist they affirm specific truth claims nor fundamentalist their affirmations include tolerance of the claims of others.

Relativism

Relativism PDF Author: Paul O'Grady
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317489829
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 172

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Book Description
The issue of relativism looms large in many contemporary discussions of knowledge, reality, society, religion, culture and gender. Is truth relative? To what extent is knowledge dependent on context? Are there different logics? Do different cultures and societies see the world differently? And is reality itself something that is constructed? This book offers a path through these debates. O'Grady begins by clarifying what exactly relativism is and how it differs from scepticism and pluralism. He then examines five main types of cognitive relativism: alethic relativism, logical relativism, ontological relativism; epistemological relativism, and relativism about rationality. Each is clearly distinguised and the arguments for and against each are assessed. O'Grady offers a welcome survey of recent debates, engaging with the work of Davidson, Devitt, Kuhn, Putnam, Quine, Rorty, Searle, Winch and Wittgenstein, among others, and he offers a distinct position of his own on this hotly contested issue.

Right for You, But Not for Me

Right for You, But Not for Me PDF Author: Steven Garofalo
Publisher: Triedstone Publishing Company
ISBN: 9780989744607
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 312

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Book Description
Steven Garofalo clearly explains the moral problem that our culture is facing and provides a road map for us to turn our world right-side-up again! It answers the assertion that morality is relative from many perspectives ranging from the media, to philosophy, to our shift of seeing man as opposed to God as the measure of all things. Steven chronicles the history of the U.S. Supreme Court Rulings and social movements such as Woodstock/the sexual revolution as well as the advancement of technology and media that has directed the United States in a moral-less direction. Right For You, But Not For Me illustrates the contemporary moral issues we all have to deal with daily in story and by explanation-bringing the subject of morality to life in a way that is both clear and applicable to our lives. Finally, Steven explains why as opposed to simply that our culture's moral compass is failing our families and provides a Scriptural, logical, and historical road map for getting back to the Ultimate Standard that defines moral absolutes for all cultures, at all times, and for all people.

Absolute Relativism: The New Dictatorship and What to Do about It

Absolute Relativism: The New Dictatorship and What to Do about It PDF Author: Stefanick Chris
Publisher: Catholic Answers
ISBN: 9781933919461
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 59

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Book Description
Welcome to the new tyranny "If it feels good, do it." "That's your opinion, and this is mine." "I don't want to impose my beliefs on others." And thus the Dictator of Relativism speaks as he has always spoken to seduce humanity into a false sense of freedom. Pope Benedict XVI, Christ's personally chosen defender of the Truth is fighting back. He recognized this in his homily on April 18, 2005, "We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one's own ego and desires." Through a down-to-earth, easily accessible Question-and-Answer format, Stefanick's book shows: Why relativism inherently contradicts its own claims. What makes it one of the worst ideas in the history of ideas. How relativism has a direct influence on the morals and virtues of a nation. Why relativism doesn't even work "in real life." How relativism is counterproductive to the true practice of tolerance Why religion which makes claims to absolute truth is finally more tolerant than relativism. What Christianity has almost singlehandedly done to foster true tolerance in the world. How all laws legislate morality What the true meaning of "open-minded" means it's not what you think!