JPR2057H1F L0101

Undergraduate Course Code: JPR457H1F L0101

Democracy and the Secular

Themes

The contemporary resurgence of religion in the public sphere and in political discourse and practice demands a critical reappraisal of the relationship between the religious and the political. This seminar in political theory will explore contemporary dilemmas of democracy, sovereignty, violence and terror from the point of view of political theology. If there is a nexus that binds the theological to the political in contemporary politics, is there, or should there be, a way to sever it? How can the exploration of this relationship enable us not only to undertake a critique of religion, but also appreciate the ways in which the religious or theological can contribute to a critique of politics? This inquiry entails more than an attempt to reunite a secular politics with ethics; rather, it requires a critical engagement with the onto-theological nature of contemporary political forms and concepts. Readings will be taken from: Schmitt, Benjamin, Taubes, Lefort, Agamben, Derrida, Caputo, Habermas, Nancy, Badiou. (Given by the Departments of Political Science and Religion).

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JPR2057H

Texts

TBA

Format and Requirements

One two-hour seminar per week. Course requirements TBA.

Preparation

POL 320Y or a 300-level course in Philosophy or Philosophy of Religion or Anthropology of Religion.