Reimagining Philosophy of Religion: Understanding, Commitment, and Making-Believe

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By exploring how analytic philosophy of religion can broaden its horizons to combat old biases, Amber L. Griffioen makes the discipline socially and practically relevant. Each chapter of her book examines an aspect of traditional analytic philosophy of religion and provides suggestions for how the field can develop in more constructive and inclusive directions. Divided into units on Reorientation, Reformation, and Revolution, Griffioen engages with a wide range of religious phenomena, from religious cognition and beliefs to imagination, prayer, religious experiences, mysticism and compassion. Topics include examining past theological realism and calling into question the purported objectivity of the so-called view from nowhere; the benefits of privileging understanding- over knowledge-centered epistemologies; the promise of expanding the kinds of religious experience traditionally under discussion and explorations of the practical and political sides of historical and contemporary mysticism. Presenting traditional debates together with a consideration of their limits and exploration of alternative approaches, this is an essential resource for any scholar or student of analytic philosophy of religion.

Author Bio

Amber L. Griffioen is Coordinator for Early Career Researchers and International Scholars, Cluster of Excellence at the University of Konstanz, Germany, and Residential Fellow at the Center for Philosophy of Religion, University of Notre Dame, USA.