Overview

In this book, Mikael Stenmark identifies and explores several prominent religious and secular worldviews that people in contemporary society hold. Three nonreligious worldviews are highlighted: scientism, secular humanism, and transhumanism. These are contrasted with four religious worldviews: Abrahamic theism, Buddhism, the new spirituality (the so-called 'spiritual but not religious' individuals, SBNR), and religious naturalism. Some challenges facing each of these worldviews are discussed toward the end of each chapter. The book offers a unique study of several key secular outlooks on life that go far beyond previous studies of atheism, nonreligion, and religious 'nones.' It also provides a rare insight into the beliefs, values, and attitudes that secular and religious thinkers consider essential to our identity and place in the world, as well as what we should deeply care about in life.

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9781009745086

Table of Contents

Reviews

'This is a brilliant and timely book. With exceptional rigor and clarity, Stenmark offers a new framework for mapping and comparing a rich array of worldviews-religious, spiritual, naturalistic, scientific, humanist, and transhumanist. It is an indispensable guide to understanding the rapidly changing landscape of belief in our time.' Yujin Nagasawa, Kingfisher College Chair of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, University of Oklahoma 'Stenmark has produced a brilliant, systematic investigation into the worldviews that are of enormous personal and cultural significance today. It is essential reading for those who wish to think clearly and critically about such diverse perspectives on life and what matters. While accessible to general readers, it has much to offer to specialists in philosophy, education, and cultural and religious studies.' Charles Taliaferro, Emeritus Overby Distinguished Professor, St. Olaf College 'Mikael Stenmark's investigation of contemporary worldviews provides a substantial argument for the need for a philosophy of worldviews to complement the philosophy of religion. It is engaging, clearly written, fair, compelling, and helps the reader recognize the nuances of current positions. This book documents how critical philosophical analyses are significant for understanding the diversity of current worldviews and their conditions.' Jan-Olav Henriksen, Professor of the Philosophy of Religion, (MF) Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society 'In this lucid and captivating book, Mikael Stenmark covers something inevitable and crucially important, yet often neglected: worldviews, both religious and secular, as well as how one can compare them and choose one. The book is thoroughly researched and is immensely helpful for any reader who seeks to sincerely reflect on the worldview they have or might adopt.' Rik Peels, Professor of Religion & Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 'In his splendid new book, Mikael Stenmark makes a compelling case for a new philosophy of worldviews as a way of making sense of the various ways in which people have sought to construct meaning in a post-secular world. He offers a comprehensive overview of competing worldviews, setting out insightful and creative ways for us to think about how they stand in relation to each other. This sophisticated philosophical analysis is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in secularization and its aftermath.' Peter Harrison, Professorial Research Fellowship, University of Notre Dame, Australia and Senior Research Fellow at the Ian Ramsey Centre, Oxford

Author Information

Mikael Stenmark is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Uppsala University. His books include How to Relate Science and Religion, Rationality in Science, Religion, and Everyday Life, and Scientism: Science, Ethics, and Religion. He is a leader of the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Society at Uppsala University, which focuses on religious and social processes of change.  He is the recipient of the Oscar Prize (1998) and the Torgny Segerstedt medal (2022).

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