In Praise of Doubt: How to Have Convictions without Becoming a Fanatic

Description

We are stuck. Both as a culture and as individuals, we find it much easier to articulate what we are against and find ourselves at a loss for words when we need to articulate what we are for. World-famous sociologists Peter Berger and Anton Zijderveld team up to present a profound treatment of how we can have confidence in our convictions - in such ideals as democracy, human rights, equality under the law, etc. - without succumbing to the radical doubts of relativism and the false certainties of fundamentalism. With new lenses for seeing the influence modernism, relativism, and fundamentalism, they explore the roles of humour, doubt, and social norms that help us have convictions without grasping them so tightly that we become fanatical.

Peter Berger is a renowned American sociologist, Professor Emeritus at Boston University, and author of several books, most notably The Social Construction of Reality. Anton C. Zijderveld is Professor Emeritus of General Sociology at Erasmus University, Rotterdam. He taught briefly in the United States and Canada. Among his many publications are The Abstract Society, On Cliches, and Reality in a Looking-Glass.

"Brilliant yet clear, highly illuminating and often humorous, this is vintage Berger spiced with Zijderveld's philosophical perspectives. In Praise of Doubt is essential reading for people of all faiths - and not least secularists."--Os Guinness, author of The Case for Civility "In his new book In Praise of Doubt, sociologist Peter Berger discusses the dangers of absolute certainty and [quotes] Oliver Cromwell: 'I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.' That seems an appropriate caveat in the matter of the sanctuary as well."--Trenton NJ Times "IN PRAISE OF DOUBT is a book of great practical wisdom by authors who have profound insight into the intellectual dynamics governing contemporary life.."--Dallas Willard, author of Knowing Christ Today "Peter Berger along with co-author Anton Zijderveld has written... the kind of book that, well, just from the cover I would have to buy it and read it. And then to see Peter Berger's name on it, that just clinches the deal.... he is literally without peer."--Albert Mohler, AlbertMohler.com "This book addresses, both broadly and individually, how to balance dedication to strong religious and moral beliefs, while simultaneously being objective and discerning. This book grapples, in a thoughtful, entertaining way with these and other meaty philosophical questions."--Reference & Research Book News "We need more books like this: books that advance an argument, and do so concisely, wittily, with great learning lightly worn."--John Wilson, editor, Books & Culture "This is . . . a serious attempt to explain how to find middle ground between conviction - religious and otherwise - and doubt. . . . In fact, Berger and Zijderveld argue that doubt -- especially as expressed in the idea of a loyal opposition -- is at the heart of a democratic system."--Los Angeles Times "The best parts of In Praise of Doubt explore the cultural battlegrounds where a consensus has broken down or not yet coalesced . . . Messrs. Berger and Zijderveld are optimistic: They believe that moral progress is on the march and that moderation is a virtue everyone can agree on."--Wall Street Journal