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The book delves into the life of Domenico Scandella, known as Menocchio, a miller from 16th-century Italy. Menocchio's unique religious beliefs and cosmogony, which included the idea that the universe began as chaos and formed like cheese with worms emerging as angels, led to his trials and eventual execution by the Roman Inquisition. Ginzburg's work uses Menocchio's case to explore broader cultural shifts, literacy, and resistance among the peasant class during this period. The book is a significant example of microhistory, shedding light on the intersections of written and oral culture in shaping peasant thought[1][2][3].
In 'The Territories of Science and Religion', Peter Harrison traces the historical development of these two concepts, arguing that they are relatively recent and have evolved significantly over time. He challenges the common perception of an eternal conflict between science and religion, instead highlighting their complex and intertwined history. By examining the parallel evolution of these concepts, Harrison offers new insights into how they can coexist and enrich each other.
John William Draper's "History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science" is a controversial work that alleges a persistent conflict between religion and science, particularly targeting the Catholic Church. Draper's biased historiography misrepresents events and selectively uses quotes to support his claims. The book's success stemmed from the anti-Catholic sentiment prevalent in 19th-century America. Despite its inaccuracies, it remains influential, highlighting the persistence of misconceptions about the relationship between faith and science. The book's impact underscores the need for careful historical analysis and open dialogue.
Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno's "Dialectic of Enlightenment" is a complex and influential work of critical theory, exploring the relationship between reason, myth, and domination. The authors argue that the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason has paradoxically led to new forms of domination and control. They trace the development of instrumental reason, which reduces everything to means-ends calculations, and its role in shaping modern society. The book explores the interplay between reason and myth, arguing that myth is not simply irrational but can also be a source of critical insight. "Dialectic of Enlightenment" remains a challenging but rewarding read, offering profound insights into the complexities of modernity and the dangers of unchecked rationality.
This book traces the history of the myth of disenchantment in the development of philosophy, anthropology, sociology, folklore, psychoanalysis, and religious studies. Josephson-Storm argues that the founding figures of these disciplines were not only aware of but deeply involved in the occult and spiritualist movements of their time. He contends that the myth of a disenchanted modern world was constructed in response to these occult revivals, and that magic and enchantment have never truly disappeared from modern society. The book provides a nuanced history of Western thought, showing that magic and secularism have coexisted and influenced each other in complex ways.
In this episode, Dr. Jason Storm returns to explore the relationship between science, religion, and meaning in the modern world. Starting with Storm's work on The Myth of Disenchantment, they discuss how the conventional narrative of modernity leading to widespread secularization and loss of magical/spiritual thinking is largely inaccurate. Storm explains how this narrative emerged in the 19th century while spiritualism and occult movements were actually flourishing. They examine the fragmentation of belief systems, the historical transformation of faith and epistemology, and how various "meaning crises" arise in contemporary society. The conversation touches on capitalism's relationship with environmental degradation, our connection to nature as a source of meaning, and the limitations of postmodernism. Storm advocates for a metamodern approach that encourages epistemic humility, community engagement, and brave spaces for meaningful dialogue to address complex social problems. You can read more about it in Metamodernism: The Future of Theory and check out his previous visit to the podcast, where we discuss it here.
You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube
Jason Ananda Josephson Storm is chair and professor of religion and chair of science and technology studies at Williams College. He is a scholar and author whose work focuses on the intersection of religion, science, and meaning in modern society. He has written several influential books including The Myth of Disenchantment, which challenges conventional narratives about secularization and modernity, and Metamodernism and the Future of Theory, which proposes new frameworks for moving beyond postmodern skepticism. Storm teaches courses on philosophy and meaning, including a popular class on "The Meaning of Life," where he introduces students to diverse philosophical and religious traditions. His research examines how individuals navigate belief systems in a fragmented cultural landscape, the relationship between institutional authority and personal meaning-making, and constructive approaches to addressing contemporary social crises. Storm advocates for epistemic humility, community engagement, and creating "brave spaces" for meaningful dialogue across differences.
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