Animism and Philosophy of Religion

Mainstream philosophy of religion has neglected to engage with animist beliefs and practices, leading to the field being called philosophy of theism. This volume aims to rectify this failure and present animism as a valid option among religious worldviews, addressing four major questions: what is animism, arguments for and against it, its relationship to naturalism and the sciences, and whether it should be taken seriously. It is intended to be the first authoritative scholarly volume on the subject and a key text for courses engaging with it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 371 pages
Publication date: 26 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Mainstream philosophy of religion has consistently neglected to engage in a meaningful or critical manner with animist beliefs and practices. The field that is currently referred to as philosophy of religion could quite easily be renamed philosophy of theism, with minimal adjustments required for lecturers to update their lecture notes. The primary objective of this volume is to rectify this failure and present animism as a viable and significant option among the diverse array of religious worldviews.

The volume addresses four fundamental questions:

1. What exactly is this phenomenon known as animism?
2. Are there any arguments in favor or against animist belief and practice?
3. How does animism relate to naturalism and the sciences?
4. Should we take animism seriously?

Animism and Philosophy of Religion is envisioned as the inaugural authoritative scholarly work on the topic of animism and its position within the realm of philosophy of religion. With an ambitious scope, it aims to serve as the foundational volume for future research on the subject and as a crucial text for courses that engage with this topic.

The book is organized into six chapters, each addressing a distinct aspect of animism and its relationship to philosophy of religion. The first chapter provides an introduction to the concept of animism and explores its historical and cultural origins. It also examines the various forms of animism that exist across different regions and societies.

Chapter two examines the arguments for and against animist belief and practice. It explores the philosophical and scientific perspectives on animism and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of these arguments. The chapter also considers the ethical implications of animist beliefs and practices and explores how they can contribute to a more holistic and sustainable worldview.

Chapter three explores the relationship between animism, naturalism, and the sciences. It examines how animism can be reconciled with scientific theories and observations and explores the potential benefits and challenges of integrating animist beliefs with scientific knowledge. The chapter also considers the role of animism in the broader context of religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue.

Chapter four examines the significance of taking animism seriously. It explores the ethical and philosophical implications of neglecting or dismissing animist beliefs and practices and considers how they can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. The chapter also explores the potential role of animism in promoting social justice and environmental sustainability.

Chapter five concludes the volume by reflecting on the future of animism and philosophy of religion. It examines the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The chapter also considers the potential contributions of animism to the broader philosophical and religious discourse and explores how it can contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive world.

In conclusion, Animism and Philosophy of Religion is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the topic of animism and its place within the philosophy of religion. By presenting animism as a viable and significant option among the diverse array of religious worldviews, the volume aims to rectify the neglect and marginalization of animist beliefs and practices. The book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of religion, philosophy, and the natural world.

Weight: 621g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030941697
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023