Transcendence

This book examines how religious experience can justify belief, applying Critical Realism to create a fair dialogue between faith and secularism in academia.

In Transcendence, the authors delve into the legitimacy of religious experience as a foundation for belief. They argue that the three core principles of Critical Realism—ontological intransitivity, epistemic relativity, and judgemental rationality—are applicable to religious contexts, much like they are to other beliefs. This exploration presents a compelling case for understanding religious belief through a critical lens, challenging the notion that such beliefs lack intellectual grounding.

The book highlights a notable discrepancy in how atheism and religious belief are treated within academic circles. Atheism, often seen as the default stance, does not require robust intellectual justification. Conversely, religious believers face a double standard, where their truth claims are scrutinized under empiricist standards that may not be suitable for such subjective experiences. This imbalance raises questions about the fairness of the academic discourse surrounding faith and belief.

Transcendence seeks to establish a more equitable dialogue between religious and secular viewpoints. By applying the principles of Critical Realism to religious experience, the authors aim to foster a reasoned debate that honors the complexities of belief. Their work is a call for a more inclusive academic environment where religious and secular ideas can coexist and be critically examined on equal footing.