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Hermitix

Myths of Progress, Reason, and Faith - A Genealogy of Secular Modernity with Peter Harrison

Jul 10, 2024
Peter Harrison, Professor Emeritus of History and Philosophy, discusses the evolution of religious, scientific, and philosophical concepts, challenging traditional narratives of progress. Topics include the idiosyncrasies of Western thought categories, reevaluating philosophical progress, historical shifts in faith and reason, the development of the supernatural concept, and evolving perspectives on nature.
01:00:10

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Quick takeaways

  • Evolution of faith from trust to propositional belief influenced by Protestant Reformation.
  • Transformation of reason and dogma in Christianity leading to natural-supernatural dichotomies.

Deep dives

The Historical and Philosophical Evolution of Concepts

The historical and philosophical evolution of concepts like progress, faith, religion, and the supernatural is explored, showcasing how these ideas have transformed over time. The discussion delves into how the understanding of faith shifted from a trust-based concept to a more propositional belief system with the Protestant Reformation impacting the supernatural realm. Additionally, the notion of progress and reason evolves from a personal formation perspective to a more instrumental calculating function, highlighting the shifting landscapes of belief and reason over different historical periods.

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