Abstract

In this article, I argue that a universalistic thrust of secularism should not be located in a Habermasian deontological liberal principle of the priority of universal morality over particularistic ethical doctrines. I show that Habermas cannot plausibly demonstrate that this principle can be invariably applied across different cases. However, in order not to succumb to parochialism, the failure of the deontological model should not prompt us to give up on the search for a universalistic drive behind secularism. To this end, I advocate a Derridean critique of religion and secularism as an alternative solution. By deconstructing the Kantian dichotomy of faith vs. knowledge, Jacques Derrida shows that secularism is, paradoxically, both a concrete socio-political regime and a possibility for a radical change.

Highlights

  • Most often, moral universalism has been advocated from the perspective of neo-Kantian deontological liberalism, which offers uniform deontic precepts applicable across different contexts

  • I will first argue that the Habermasian deontological liberalism cannot provide a plausible universalistic standard that is applicable across different cultural contexts

  • I started from the problem of locating the source of universalistic thrust behind secularism

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Most often, moral universalism has been advocated from the perspective of neo-Kantian deontological liberalism, which offers uniform deontic precepts applicable across different contexts Such moral precepts stand higher than particular religious or ethical doctrines, and are supposedly neutral. I examine to what extent the normative claims of the Habermasian deontological secularism can be viewed as universal in every particular context Such a supposedly universal claim is the priority of morality over particularistic ethical doctrines that is supposed to be defended in every case. I will first argue that the Habermasian deontological liberalism cannot provide a plausible universalistic standard that is applicable across different cultural contexts To drive home this point, first, I will take a look at Habermas’s works The Future of Human Nature and The Religion in the Public Sphere. I will propose the Derridean deconstructive critique of faith as an alternative form of context-transcending secularism

The Failure of the Deontological Model of Secularism
Secularism beyond Faith and Knowledge
Findings
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.