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Too often we find it easier to castigate our opponents than to articulate what we actually stand for. Two world-famous sociologists explain how one can have strong personal beliefs on religion or politics without succumbing to the dangers of moral relativism or the false certainties of fundamentalism. 192 pages, hardcover. HarperOne.
We are stuck. Both as a culture and as individuals‚ we find it much easier to articulate what we are against and find ourselves at a loss for words when we need to articulate what we are for. World−famous sociologists Peter Berger and Anton Zijderveld team up to present a profound treatment of how we can have confidence in our convictions−in such ideals as democracy‚ human rights‚ equality under the law‚ etc.−without succumbing to the radical doubts of relativism and the certainties of fundamentalism. With new lenses for seeing the influence modernism‚ relativism‚ and fundamentalism‚ they explore the roles of humor‚ doubt‚ and social norms that help us have convictions without grasping them so tightly that we become fanatical.
Peter L. Berger is an internationally renowned sociologist and faculty member at Boston University, where in 1985 he founded its Institute of Culture, Religion, and World Affairs. He is the author of many books, among them The Social Construction of Reality, The Homeless Mind, and Questions of Faith.
"IN PRAISE OF DOUBT is a book of great practical wisdom by authors who have profound insight into the intellectual dynamics governing contemporary life.."
"Brilliant yet clear, highly illuminating and often humorous, this is vintage Berger spiced with Zijderveld’s philosophical perspectives. In Praise of Doubt is essential reading for people of all faiths - and not least secularists."
"We need more books like this: books that advance an argument, and do so concisely, wittily, with great learning lightly worn."
"The best parts of In Praise of Doubt explore the cultural battlegrounds where a consensus has broken down or not yet coalesced . . . Messrs. Berger and Zijderveld are optimistic: They believe that moral progress is on the march and that moderation is a virtue everyone can agree on."
"In his new book In Praise of Doubt, sociologist Peter Berger discusses the dangers of absolute certainty and [quotes] Oliver Cromwell: ’I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.’ That seems an appropriate caveat in the matter of the sanctuary as well."
"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."
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