Secular Translations: Nation-State, Modern Self, and Calculative Reason

Talal Asad's book "Secular Translations" explores the complexities of secularism and its contradictions by examining the translation of religious ideas into nonreligious ones, the role of religious ritual in modern life, and the history of the idea of the self. It argues that secularism is not just an abstract principle but a range of sensibilities that are intertwined with different ways of life. Through translation, Asad suggests new possibilities for intercultural communication and a language for our time beyond the language of the state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2018
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Talal Asad, an anthropologist, delves into his lifelong exploration of secularism, unveiling its complexities and contradictions. Through a profound examination of translatability and untranslatability, he unravels the ambiguities surrounding our concepts of religion and secularity. Asad navigates the intricate pathways of ideas across different histories and cultures, shedding light on their intricate movements.

In his quest to bridge the gap between the language of Islam and secular reason, Asad emphasizes the significance of translating religious ideas into nonreligious ones. He delves into the claim that liberal notions of equality trace their origins back to earlier Christian concepts that were subsequently translated into secularism. He also explores how the language and practices of religious rituals undergo a radical transformation as they transition into modern life, playing a crucial yet profoundly altered role. Furthermore, Asad examines the historical development of the idea of the self and its centrality to the project of the secular state.

Secularism, according to Asad, extends beyond an abstract principle embraced by modern liberal democratic states. It encompasses a range of sensibilities that are intricately linked to diverse ways of life. Asad demonstrates how these sensibilities are shaped by shifting vocabularies, which are inextricably intertwined with different modes of existence. By delving into these entanglements, Asad reveals how translation either facilitates or necessitates the complete metamorphosis of the translated.

Drawing upon a wide array of thinkers, including al-Ghazālī and Walter Benjamin, Secular Translations offers a fresh perspective on intercultural communication. It seeks to establish a language for our time that transcends the confines of state-centric discourse, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. Through his insightful analysis, Asad opens the door to new possibilities for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious global community.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 142 x 216 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231189873