Pragmatic Realism, Religious Truth, and Antitheodicy
Book Description
In the face of profound suffering and evil, humanity has long grappled with fundamental questions about meaning, justice, and divine purpose. This scholarly exploration challenges conventional approaches to one of philosophy's most enduring dilemmas: how do we reconcile the existence of seemingly senseless pain with our deepest spiritual and philosophical convictions?
Professor Sami Pihlström presents a thought-provoking critique of traditional theodicy, the philosophical attempt to justify or explain suffering within a meaningful cosmic framework. Rather than seeking grand explanations that view tragedy from an abstract, universal perspective, he advocates for a radically different approach that honors the lived reality of those who suffer.
Drawing from pragmatist philosophy, Pihlström argues that attempts to rationalize suffering from a detached, "divine viewpoint" fundamentally miss the mark. Such explanations, he contends, fail to acknowledge the irreducible personal experience of the individual facing hardship. His antitheodicist position suggests that some forms of suffering resist neat philosophical categorization or justification.
This work offers readers a fresh lens through which to examine age-old questions about pain, meaning, and spiritual understanding. For those wrestling with life's darker moments or seeking deeper philosophical grounding for their spiritual journey, Pihlström's insights provide a compassionate alternative to traditional explanatory frameworks. His pragmatic approach invites a more humble, human-centered way of engaging with mystery and suffering.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 223 pages
What You'll Discover
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