Value Beyond Monotheism: The Axiology of the Divine

This book explores the value impact of alternative conceptions of God and the divine,broadening the scope of analytic philosophy of religion beyond the Judeo-Christian tradition. It features essays from prominent philosophers and metaphysicians addressing ultimism, polytheism, pantheism, panentheism, and idealism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book Value Beyond Monotheism: Exploring Alternative Conceptions of God and the Divine expands the current axiology of theism literature by assessing the axiological status of alternative conceptions of God and the divine. To date, most of the literature on the axiology of theism has focused almost exclusively on the axiological status of theism and atheism. Specifically, it has focused almost exclusively on monotheism, typically Judeo-Christian conceptions of God, and atheism, usually construed as ontological naturalism. This volume features essays from prominent philosophers of religion, ethicists, and metaphysicians addressing the value impact of alternative views such as ultimism, polytheism, pantheism, panentheism, and idealism. Additionally, it reflects a wider trend in analytic philosophy of religion to broaden its scope beyond the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Value Beyond Monotheism will be of interest to scholars and advanced students working in the philosophy of religion, ethics, and metaphysics. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the philosophical and ethical implications of alternative conceptions of God and the divine, challenging traditional assumptions and providing new insights into the nature of value and the ultimate meaning of life.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea that theism and atheism are not the only viable options for understanding the divine. Alternative conceptions such as ultimism, polytheism, pantheism, panentheism, and idealism offer different perspectives on the nature of God and the relationship between humans and the divine. These views challenge the traditional notion of a single, all-powerful God and suggest that there may be multiple gods, a pantheon of gods, or a more abstract and universal concept of the divine.

The book also explores the ethical implications of these alternative conceptions of God and the divine. For example, polytheism suggests that there may be multiple moral standards and that humans may have different obligations to different gods. Pantheism, on the other hand, suggests that the divine is inherent in the natural world and that humans are part of a larger interconnected universe. This perspective can lead to a more ecological and sustainable approach to ethics.

Another theme of the book is the idea that theism and atheism are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Some philosophers argue that theism and atheism can be compatible, particularly if one adopts a non-traditional understanding of God or the divine. For example, some atheists may believe in a higher power or a sense of purpose but may not identify this power with a traditional God or the divine.

The book also addresses the issue of the value of religious belief and practice. Some philosophers argue that religious belief and practice can have positive effects on individuals and society, such as promoting social cohesion, providing a sense of meaning and purpose, and promoting ethical behavior. Others argue that religious belief and practice can be harmful, such as promoting discrimination, violence, and social inequality.

The book concludes by suggesting that the study of the value beyond monotheism is an important area of research for philosophers and scholars working in the philosophy of religion, ethics, and metaphysics. The book offers a valuable contribution to this field by providing a comprehensive exploration of alternative conceptions of God and the divine and by addressing the ethical and philosophical implications of these views.

In conclusion, Value Beyond Monotheism: Exploring Alternative Conceptions of God and the Divine is a valuable contribution to the philosophy of religion, ethics, and metaphysics. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the ethical and philosophical implications of alternative conceptions of God and the divine, challenging traditional assumptions and providing new insights into the nature of value and the ultimate meaning of life. The book will be of interest to scholars and advanced students working in the philosophy of religion, ethics, and metaphysics.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367540203