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.
Table of Contents
1. Fundamentalism VS Relativism In A Modern Society
Objective & Topics
This work aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the concepts of fundamentalism and relativism, exploring their historical origins, definitions, and their practical application in a modern, culturally diverse society. It specifically examines how these two opposing worldviews manifest across different major religions and philosophical contexts, while addressing the dangers associated with both absolute, rigid belief systems and extreme moral relativism.
- Historical evolution and definitions of fundamentalism and relativism
- Fundamentalist tendencies within major world religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism)
- The philosophical foundations of relativism from ancient Greece to modern thought
- Comparative analysis of how these worldviews influence social, moral, and political behavior
- The role of "ideology" in the transformation of religious beliefs into dangerous movements
- The challenge of maintaining individual identity while respecting diverse cultural frameworks
Auszug aus dem Buch
Fundamentalism VS Relativism In A Modern Society
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. Referring to the book Communication Between Cultures, the two terms have rather short explanations towards the connection to culture, so this work will give a detailed explanation about the terms, the historical background up until today and at last, the direct comparison in a cultural context.
Summary of Chapters
1. Fundamentalism VS Relativism In A Modern Society: This chapter introduces the core concepts and the motivation for comparing fundamentalism and relativism, highlighting the difficulty in defining these terms and setting the stage for a detailed cultural and historical investigation.
Keywords
Fundamentalism, Relativism, Islamism, Ideology, Culture, Religion, Morality, Tolerance, History, Philosophy, Society, Ethics, Scripture, Tradition, Modernity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work examines the definitions, origins, and practical implications of fundamentalism and relativism in contemporary society.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
The text focuses on religious fundamentalism, the historical roots of these beliefs, the philosophy of relativism, and the potential societal conflicts arising from these two opposing worldviews.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to provide a detailed explanation of both terms, their historical backgrounds, and a direct comparison within a cultural context to understand their impact on modern morality.
Which scientific method is utilized in this paper?
The paper uses a comparative literature analysis, drawing on definitions from dictionaries, historical texts, and expert literature to investigate and contrast these concepts.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the history of fundamentalism in various religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism), the philosophical origins of relativism starting with Protagoras, and a critical look at the risks of both extremes.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include fundamentalism, relativism, ideology, morality, culture, and religion.
How is the term "Islamism" distinguished from "Islam" in the text?
The text distinguishes Islam as a religion from Islamism, which it defines as an ideology that influences behavior and is often associated with violent political goals.
Does the author consider fundamentalism to be inherently violent?
The author argues that while many fundamentalist movements are dangerous or intolerant, the text also explores examples of peaceful fundamentalism, such as certain aspects of the Dalai Lama's teachings.
What is the "dictatorship of relativism" mentioned in the work?
Referencing Joseph Ratzinger, the text describes this as a situation where, as relativism becomes more accepted, it paradoxically becomes intolerant toward opposing opinions and dictates thought patterns.
What is the final conclusion regarding the choice between fundamentalism and relativism?
The author concludes that both extremes should be approached with an alert mind, suggesting that a balanced perspective—maintaining one's identity while respecting other cultures—is the best path forward.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Julien Appler (Autor:in), 2015, Fundamentalism vs Relativism in a Modern Society, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/340734
