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The Quest For Meaning: Developing A Philosophy Of Pluralism (2010)

by Tariq Ramadan(Favorite Author)

4.17 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1846141524 (ISBN13: 9781846141522)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Penguin Global

review 1: "This book is a journey, and an initiation." The book is indeed that. Tariq Ramadan discusses a variety of topics that are connected, yet not really connected at the same time; from different philosophical and religious perspectives. In the beginning, I had trouble understanding his writing because I have never delved into philosophy before, but eventually I got the hang of it (most of the time). Don't give up on the book if you face the same problem.This is by no means a light read. He will not give you answers to most of the issues he brings up, but he will broaden your perspective and challenge the way you think.I will definitely re-read this book in the future and I highly recommend you to read it.
review 2: "We should therefore invert out perspective and a... morepproach the issue in terms of ends rather than fundementals. Rather than arguing (or quarreling) about different conceptions of men, we should, that is, be asking what these different traditions or schools of thought have to offer and how they can help human beings to develop their full potential. We have by no means reached a consensus, but the differences are minor and the goals are the same. There is something universal about all these traditions, no matter which dimension they emphasise."Philosophy, beyond religion - with a focus on humans. In this book, Tariq Ramadan attempts a return to universal principles. Unlike when most use this phrase though, he defines it, and does not attempt to define his own principles as universal in order to demonise those who do not share them, but to genuinely find common ground between all the major (and some minor) world religions. He speaks on topics such as coexistance and trust, and whilst the discussion is somewhat abstract he relates this to the state of our modern societies and why they many lack cohesion. The nature of love, the meaning of life, fundemental principles underlying all religions philosophies and spiritualities, women, oppression, peace, education, freedom, resistance, tradition, morality and reason are some of the topics he touches on. He distances himself from advocation of any religion or philosophy, with no attempt to judge between them, and instead tries to build bridges between their diversity to a common ground they all share.His background in philosophy shows here more than in his other books, as he also freely name-drops European philosophers of all kinds. However, the dense and very ornate language makes it difficult to follow at times and perhaps requiring slow readings if you aren't familiar with his style. I found it somewhat unsatisfying given the many assertions he makes on the nature of things without evidence, and would probably benefit from the change to dialogue with him, but I'm still not sure how much of the book I understood and how much I will return to either way.References to current affairs around the world show how very far removed from the ideal is from the current discourse, and he outlines a mindset (particularly relevant to post-Islamism) that is necessary if we are to ever work towards bringing harmony compatible with diversity to the world - a philosophy of pluralism. less

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