In Praise of Doubt: How to Have Convictions Without Becoming a Fanatic
Jul 2009 · Harper Collins
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About this ebook
In Praise of Doubt explores how to survive the political, moral, and religious challenges raised by the extreme poles of relativism and fundamentalism.
In this insightful and thought-provoking book, two world-renowned social scientists, Peter L. Berger and Anton C. Zijderveld, ask and answer Big Questions, offering invaluable guidance on how to have convictions without becoming a fanatic.
“A book of great practical wisdom by authors who have profound insight into the intellectual dynamics governing contemporary life.” —Dallas Willard, author of Knowing Christ Today
“The virus of fanaticism takes several forms. In Praise of Doubt targets two: fundamentalists and relativists. . . . Bracing . . . lay-friendly and seasoned with humor.” —The Boston Globe
“The best parts of In Praise of Doubt explore the cultural battlegrounds where a consensus has broken down or not yet coalesced . . . Berger and Zijderveld are optimistic: They believe that moral progress is on the march and that moderation is a virtue everyone can agree on.” —The Wall Street Journal
“This is . . . a serious attempt to explain how to find middle ground between conviction—religious and otherwise—and doubt . . . In fact, Berger and Zijderveld argue that doubt—especially as expressed in the idea of a loyal opposition—is at the heart of a democratic system.” —Los Angeles Times
“This book addresses, both broadly and individually, how to balance dedication to strong religious and moral beliefs, while simultaneously being objective and discerning. This book grapples, in a thoughtful, entertaining way with these and other meaty philosophical questions.” —Reference & Research Book News
In this insightful and thought-provoking book, two world-renowned social scientists, Peter L. Berger and Anton C. Zijderveld, ask and answer Big Questions, offering invaluable guidance on how to have convictions without becoming a fanatic.
“A book of great practical wisdom by authors who have profound insight into the intellectual dynamics governing contemporary life.” —Dallas Willard, author of Knowing Christ Today
“The virus of fanaticism takes several forms. In Praise of Doubt targets two: fundamentalists and relativists. . . . Bracing . . . lay-friendly and seasoned with humor.” —The Boston Globe
“The best parts of In Praise of Doubt explore the cultural battlegrounds where a consensus has broken down or not yet coalesced . . . Berger and Zijderveld are optimistic: They believe that moral progress is on the march and that moderation is a virtue everyone can agree on.” —The Wall Street Journal
“This is . . . a serious attempt to explain how to find middle ground between conviction—religious and otherwise—and doubt . . . In fact, Berger and Zijderveld argue that doubt—especially as expressed in the idea of a loyal opposition—is at the heart of a democratic system.” —Los Angeles Times
“This book addresses, both broadly and individually, how to balance dedication to strong religious and moral beliefs, while simultaneously being objective and discerning. This book grapples, in a thoughtful, entertaining way with these and other meaty philosophical questions.” —Reference & Research Book News
Ratings and reviews
5.0
1 review
Benny Benjamin
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February 1, 2024
Elegant contrasting of shades of opinion across religion, politics, civil society, etc
About the author
Peter L. Berger is an internationally renowned sociologist and faculty member at Boston University, where in 1985 he founded its Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs. He is the author of The Social Construction of Reality, The Homeless Mind, and Questions of Faith.
Anton C. Zijderveld holds doctorates in both sociology and philosophy. He is on the faculty of Erasmus University in Rotterdam. Among his many books are The Abstract Society, On Clichés, and Reality in a Looking Glass.
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