After the Death of God
Secularization as a Philosophical Challenge from Kant to Nietzsche
Will be published approx. on 22. March 2025
Book
Hardback
232 pages
978-0-226-83849-6 (ISBN)
Description
A fresh history of nineteenth-century philosophy's many ideas about secularization.
The secularization thesis, which held that religious belief would gradually yield to rationality, has been thoroughly debunked. What, then, can we learn from philosophers for whom the death of God seemed so imminent? In this book, Espen Hammer offers a sweeping analysis of secularization in nineteenth-century German philosophy, arguing that the persistence of religion (rather than its absence) animated this tradition. Hammer shows that Kant, Hegel, Feuerbach, Marx, and Nietzsche, each in their own way, sought to preserve and transform religion's ethical and communal aspirations for modern life. A renewed appreciation for this tradition's generous thought, Hammer argues, can help us chart a path through needlessly destructive conflicts between secularists and fundamentalists today.
The secularization thesis, which held that religious belief would gradually yield to rationality, has been thoroughly debunked. What, then, can we learn from philosophers for whom the death of God seemed so imminent? In this book, Espen Hammer offers a sweeping analysis of secularization in nineteenth-century German philosophy, arguing that the persistence of religion (rather than its absence) animated this tradition. Hammer shows that Kant, Hegel, Feuerbach, Marx, and Nietzsche, each in their own way, sought to preserve and transform religion's ethical and communal aspirations for modern life. A renewed appreciation for this tradition's generous thought, Hammer argues, can help us chart a path through needlessly destructive conflicts between secularists and fundamentalists today.
Reviews / Votes
"An interesting history of secularization, charting its development through the thought of the major thinkers of the 19th century, secularization's most important period." * Choice * "In this elegant and compelling book, Hammer guides readers through a new reading of philosophical history: from Kant forward, he argues, the modern philosophical canon has directed its attention to religion with a twofold gesture of critique and rescue. Through exceptionally illuminating close readings, Hammer helps us to see in this framework a truly insightful and graceful new answer to an important question: What remains to religion after what Nietzsche called the death of God?" -- Peter E. Gordon, Harvard University "Hammer offers a revelatory treatment of the theme of secularization in the post-Kantian period. In the narrative Hammer presents, religious impulses are not simply discarded with the onset of secularization but are instead transformed and preserved. Specialists and nonspecialists alike will benefit from engaging with his account." -- Andrew Huddleston, University of WarwickMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Chicago
United States
Publishing group
The University of Chicago Press
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
399 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-226-83849-6 (9780226838496)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Espen Hammer is professor of philosophy at Temple University. He has published numerous books, including Adorno's Modernism: Art, Experience, and Catastrophe.
Content
Preface
Introductory Remarks
Chapter One Secularization and Modernity
Chapter Two The Kantian Compromise
Chapter Three Hegel's Rescue Mission
Chapter Four A Social Critique of Religion: Feuerbach and Marx
Chapter Five Nietzsche and the Overcoming of Christianity
Concluding Remarks
Bibliography
Index
Introductory Remarks
Chapter One Secularization and Modernity
Chapter Two The Kantian Compromise
Chapter Three Hegel's Rescue Mission
Chapter Four A Social Critique of Religion: Feuerbach and Marx
Chapter Five Nietzsche and the Overcoming of Christianity
Concluding Remarks
Bibliography
Index