The Unique, the Singular, and the Individual: The Debate about the Non-Comparable. Claremont Studies in the Philosophy of Religion, Conference 2018

Debates about the unique, singular, and individual raise epistemological, hermeneutical, metaphysical, ethical, and theological problems. This volume seeks to remedy this by linking three areas of discussion: the theological and metaphysical debates about divine uniqueness, the epistemological and hermeneutical debates about issues of singularity and (in)comparability, and the ethical debates about issues of human individuality and ethical formation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 429 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

Debates surrounding the concepts of uniqueness, singularity, and individualism evoke a range of epistemological, hermeneutical, metaphysical, ethical, and theological concerns. These discussions often occur in separate spheres, disregarding the intricate interconnectedness of these issues. This volume aims to address this gap by bringing together three interconnected areas of exploration: the theological and metaphysical debates concerning divine uniqueness, the epistemological and hermeneutical discussions regarding issues of singularity and (in)comparability, and the ethical deliberations concerning human individuality and ethical formation. By examining these three domains, this volume highlights the rich background of the current singularity debate and underscores the significance of engaging with debates in other fields that address similar questions from distinct perspectives.

Theological and metaphysical debates about divine uniqueness revolve around the concept of God's singularity and distinctiveness from all other beings. These discussions explore the nature of God's existence, attributes, and relationship with the world. They raise questions about the identity of God, the nature of divinity, and the implications of God's uniqueness for human understanding and worship.

Epistemological and hermeneutical debates about singularity and (in)comparability focus on the nature of individual entities and their relationships with one another. These discussions explore the ways in which we perceive and understand the world, including the concepts of identity, difference, similarity, and value. They raise questions about the nature of knowledge, truth, and the criteria for judging between different perspectives or entities.

Ethical debates about human individuality and ethical formation address the question of how individuals should navigate the complexities of their own lives and relationships with others. These discussions explore the moral and ethical principles that guide human behavior, including issues of autonomy, responsibility, justice, and virtue. They raise questions about the nature of human nature, the role of individual agency, and the ethical implications of different moral choices.

By examining these three areas of discussion, this volume seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the singularity debate and its broader implications. It highlights the complex interplay between theological, metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical perspectives and demonstrates the value of engaging with debates in other fields that explore similar questions from different angles.

In conclusion, the debates about uniqueness, singularity, and individualism raise profound epistemological, hermeneutical, metaphysical, ethical, and theological questions. This volume aims to remedy this by linking these three areas of discussion and highlighting the rich background of the current singularity debate. By engaging with debates in other fields that address similar questions from distinct perspectives, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human existence and the ethical challenges we face in our daily lives.

Weight: 646g
ISBN-13: 9783161615238