Penser la laïcité avec Habermas

By Marco Jean

Book Description

In an era where diverse religious and spiritual traditions intersect with democratic governance, philosopher Marco Jean offers a thoughtful exploration of how faith and public life can coexist harmoniously. Drawing primarily from the influential work of contemporary philosopher Jürgen Habermas, this scholarly examination addresses one of our time's most pressing questions: what role should religion play in modern liberal democracies?

Jean navigates the complex terrain between two extremes that often dominate public discourse. Rather than embracing rigid secularism that excludes spiritual voices entirely, or falling into communitarian approaches that may fragment society, he seeks a middle path grounded in philosophical rigor. Through careful analysis of Habermas's ethics of discussion and democratic theory, alongside insights from other contemporary thinkers, Jean constructs a framework for understanding healthy secularism.

The book recognizes that pluralism of values and beliefs has become a defining characteristic of our contemporary world. This reality demands thoughtful consideration of how diverse spiritual and philosophical perspectives can contribute meaningfully to democratic dialogue while respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens.

For readers interested in the intersection of spirituality and civic engagement, this work provides intellectual tools for thinking through these vital questions. Jean's approach offers hope for a society where religious wisdom and democratic principles can enrich rather than threaten one another.