Overview

Embracing Epistemic Humility: Confronting Triumphalism in Three Abrahamic Religions builds a case that encourages advocates of world views, especially the children of Abraham-Jews, Christians and Muslims-to embrace an attitude of epistemic humility toward their world views and thereby defeat the triumphalism which, on the contemporary scene, has infected the world views of all too many in the Abrahamic tradition. Triumphalists see their world view as the ultimate repository of spiritual truth: all other world views are inferior and their adherents need to be converted forcefully, or silenced, or destroyed to prevent their cancerous views from metastasizing. Embracing such epistemic humility is not only the antidote to triumphalism but it is also a powerful motivator to transform world view competitors into comrades engaged in a struggle to combat evil and to promote human flourishing.

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Reviews

Donald Borchert has written a humane and harmonizing plea for epistemic modesty in the spirit of William James. His book is a tour de force in combining philosophical insight with Abrahamic humility. -- Nicholas Rescher, University of Pittsburgh Donald Borchert's brilliant analysis and case for humility in the context of Abrahamic faiths is essential reading for anyone interested in religious diversity and the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning today. While Borchert's erudition is impressive, he never fails to write clearly, using contemporary examples, making the work accessible to non-specialists. This is a book that can do some real good in a context that is often shot through with anger and misunderstanding. -- Charles Taliaferro, St. Olaf College In Embracing Epistemic Humility, Donald Borchert extends the fallibilism introduced in twentieth century pragmatism from natural to religious truths. He explores the tendency of western religions to assume that they have access to absolute truth, and makes the case for humility over arrogance, concern over dominance. Borchert provides clear examples and lucid explanations of current positions in epistemology and philosophy of religion. I highly recommended this book. -- Albert Mosley, professor of philosophy, Smith College

Donald Borchert has written a humane and harmonizing plea for epistemic modesty in the spirit of William James. His book is a tour de force in combining philosophical insight with Abrahamic humility. -- Nicholas Rescher, University of Pittsburgh Donald Borchert's brilliant analysis and case for humility in the context of Abrahamic faiths is essential reading for anyone interested in religious diversity and the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning today. While Borchert's erudition is impressive, he never fails to write clearly, using contemporary examples, making the work accessible to non-specialists. This is a book that can do some real good in a context that is often shot through with anger and misunderstanding. -- Charles Taliaferro, St. Olaf College

Author Information

Donald Marvin Borchert is emeritus professor of philosophy at Ohio University. He is the editor of the Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Second Edition (2006), and co-author of An Introduction to Modern Philosophy (2001), among other publications.

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