At first glance we seem to know what fundamentalism really means. We hear it on the radio, watch it on TV and read about it in the newspaper. Fundamentalism is nowadays often connected to Islam or religion in general, often to terrorism. Nonetheless, the question remains: where does this word come from and what exactly does it mean? Relativism is another big word often connected to philosophy and great thinkers of the past like Nietzsche.
The problem with relativism is the same as with fundamentalism. It seems that there is no real answer to what fundamentalism or relativism actually refers. Therefore, both of them are divided into several subcategories, and because of that, it is not possible to throw light on every little detail. For an example, one can visit the German Wikipedia entry about ‘Fundamentalismus’ (English: fundamentalism). The authors of that entry started a discussion about how it should be written to make absolutely clear that it gets the true sense of fundamentalism. Even the English Wikipedia entry is not to everyone’s satisfaction and lacks improvement.
On the other hand, relativism at first sounds easy to understand, but it is hard to grasp. Mainly because it is rarely used and for that reason, there are fewer sources for definitions than for fundamentalism. In the modern times we are living in now, both of these movements, one could almost say, developed rapidly. This is another reason for setting those two words in direct comparison, but the outcome also depends on the sources available.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Fundamentalism
- Definition of Fundamentalism
- Christian Fundamentalism
- Islamic Fundamentalism
- Jewish Fundamentalism
- Hindu Fundamentalism
- Buddhist Fundamentalism
- Relativism
- Definition of Relativism
- History of Relativism
- Types of Relativism
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of fundamentalism and relativism in a modern society. It explores the historical development, contemporary manifestations, and cultural implications of these two opposing forces. The study examines the relationship between these concepts and different religions, ideologies, and social movements.
- The nature and origins of fundamentalism and relativism
- The role of religion and ideology in shaping these concepts
- The impact of fundamentalism and relativism on cultural and political landscapes
- The relationship between fundamentalism, relativism, and violence
- The challenges posed by fundamentalism and relativism in a globalized world
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Chapter 1: This chapter introduces the concepts of fundamentalism and relativism, defining their key characteristics and exploring their historical roots. It examines the origins of the term "fundamentalism" and traces its development from its early usage in Protestant Christianity to its contemporary applications across different religious and ideological contexts. The chapter also delves into the philosophical underpinnings of relativism, exploring its origins in ancient Greece and its evolution through various philosophical schools of thought.
- Chapter 2: This chapter focuses on the historical and contemporary manifestations of Christian fundamentalism. It examines various examples of fundamentalist movements within Christianity, including the rise of Protestant fundamentalism in the United States, the role of the Catholic Church in the Crusades, and the influence of fundamentalist beliefs on contemporary political and social issues. The chapter highlights the key tenets of Christian fundamentalism, including its emphasis on biblical inerrancy, the literal interpretation of scripture, and the separation of church and state.
- Chapter 3: This chapter explores the complex relationship between Islam, Islamism, and fundamentalism. It examines the concept of jihad and its various interpretations, differentiating between the traditional Islamic understanding of jihad as a spiritual struggle and the more radical interpretations used to justify violence. The chapter also delves into the rise of Islamism as a political ideology, highlighting its connection to fundamentalist beliefs and its impact on global politics. It examines the role of organizations like Hamas and their use of religious rhetoric to promote political agendas.
- Chapter 4: This chapter examines the historical and contemporary manifestations of Jewish fundamentalism. It explores the Maccabean Revolt as a significant example of early Jewish fundamentalism, highlighting its impact on the development of Jewish identity and the formation of a Jewish state. The chapter also examines the role of Zionism in the 20th century, analyzing its connection to fundamentalist beliefs and its influence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It explores the relationship between Jewish fundamentalism and violence, highlighting the role of religious interpretations of the Torah in justifying acts of terrorism.
- Chapter 5: This chapter investigates the complexities of Hindu fundamentalism. It distinguishes between religious Hinduism and political Hinduism, examining the role of fundamentalist beliefs in shaping contemporary political and social movements in India. The chapter explores the historical and contemporary manifestations of Hindu fundamentalism, highlighting the role of the Sanatana Dharma movement in upholding traditional caste systems and the conflict in Ayodhya as a manifestation of religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
- Chapter 6: This chapter examines the unique case of Buddhist fundamentalism. It explores the absence of a single holy scripture in Buddhism and the role of the Tripitaka as a collection of Buddha's teachings. The chapter analyzes the relationship between Buddhist fundamentalism and the Dalai Lama, examining his role in promoting peaceful resistance to Chinese occupation of Tibet and his emphasis on human dignity as a cornerstone of his pacifist ideology.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The study of fundamentalism and relativism involves a wide range of keywords and focus topics, including religion, ideology, culture, violence, history, politics, and social movements. Key terms encompass religious scriptures, such as the Bible, Quran, Torah, Vedas, and Tripitaka, as well as concepts like jihad, Sharia law, and the caste system. The study also explores the historical development of these concepts, examining key figures like Protagoras of Abdera, Moses Mendelsohn, Theodor Herzl, and the Dalai Lama. It further investigates the relationship between fundamentalism and relativism in the context of contemporary global challenges, including terrorism, political extremism, and cultural clashes.
- Quote paper
- Julien Appler (Author), 2015, Fundamentalism vs Relativism in a Modern Society, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/340734
