In this episode of Philosophize This!, Stephen West delves into Charles Taylor's critique of William James's view on religion, arguing that James's focus on personal religious experience overlooks the crucial sociological and structural roles religion plays in society. West explains Taylor's breakdown of religion into Paleo-Durkheim, Neo-Durkheim, and Post-Durkheim forms, illustrating how religion has evolved from an integrated societal norm to a more individualized, a la carte experience. He discusses the modern "spiritual predicament," where individuals oscillate between belief and unbelief, often settling for superficial connections due to the lack of committed community and the fragility of belief in a pluralistic world, ultimately urging listeners to consider the pitfalls of this situation and seek genuine, challenging paths for moral development.
Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.
Continue
