Contemporary Worldviews: A Comparative Study (Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society) - Softcover

Stenmark, Mikael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1009745085 ISBN 13: 9781009745086

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2026

Synopsis

In this book, Mikael Stenmark identifies and explores several prominent religious and secular worldviews that people in contemporary society hold. Three nonreligious worldviews are highlighted: scientism, secular humanism, and transhumanism. These are contrasted with four religious worldviews: Abrahamic theism, Buddhism, the new spirituality (the so-called 'spiritual but not religious' individuals, SBNR), and religious naturalism. Some challenges facing each of these worldviews are discussed toward the end of each chapter. The book offers a unique study of several key secular outlooks on life that go far beyond previous studies of atheism, nonreligion, and religious 'nones.' It also provides a rare insight into the beliefs, values, and attitudes that secular and religious thinkers consider essential to our identity and place in the world, as well as what we should deeply care about in life.

About this title

About the Author

Mikael Stenmark is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Uppsala University. His books include How to Relate Science and Religion, Rationality in Science, Religion, and Everyday Life, and Scientism: Science, Ethics, and Religion. He is a leader of the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Society at Uppsala University, which focuses on religious and social processes of change.  He is the recipient of the Oscar Prize (1998) and the Torgny Segerstedt medal (2022).

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1009745085
• ISBN 13: 9781009745086
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 300