Abbey's Bookshop Logo
Go to my checkout basket
Login to Abbey's Bookshop
Register with Abbey's Bookshop
Gift Vouchers
Browse by Category

Delivery charges 3 go FREE
Print this page

The Future of Blasphemy: Democracy, Faith and Freedom of Expression

Austin Dacey

9781441183927

Continuum


Philosophy; Social & political philosophy; Religion & politics; Freedom of information & freedom of speech

Paperback

192 pages

$29.95

In stock
ready to ship
order qty:  
Add this item to my basket

In the days of Moses, blasphemy was the mortal offence of failing to respect the divine. In an age of human rights, blasphemy is understood as a failure to respect persons, as insult, defamation, or advocacy of religious hatred. The criminalisation of this personal blasphemy has been advanced at the United Nations and upheld by the European Court of Human Rights, which has asserted a universal right to respect for religious feelings. The Future of Blasphemy turns respect on its head. Respect demands that we grant each other equal standing in the moral community, not that we never offend. Politically, respect for citizens requires a public discourse that is open to all viewpoints. Going beyond the question of free speech versus religion, The Future of Blasphemy defends an ethical model of blasphemy. Controversies surrounding sacrilege are contests over what counts as sacred, disagreements about what has central, inviolable, and incommensurable value. In such public contestation of the sacred, each of us - secular and religious alike - has equal right to speak on its behalf.

au.com.bandaconsulting.shop.book.beans.Description@28bbba67

By:   Austin Dacey
Imprint:   Continuum
Country of Publication:   United States
Dimensions:   Height: 198mm,  Width: 129mm,  Spine: 15mm
Weight:   236g
ISBN:  

9781441183927


ISBN 10:   1441183922
Pages:   192
Publication Date:   January 2012
Audience:   General ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In stock at Abbey's Bookshop
This is in stock in our store and available now.

1. The New Wars of Religion; 2. A First Amendment for Europe?; 3. Democracy, Disrespect, and Dehumanization; 4. The Civic Virtues of Sacrilege; 5. The Sacrament of Laughter; Bibliography; Index.

Austin Dacey is Representative to the United Nations, International Humanist and Ethical Union, and Instructor of Humanities at Polytechnic Institute of New York University, USA. He is a philosopher and author of The Secular Conscience: Why belief belongs in public life. His writings have appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, Dissent and Trouw (Netherlands).

Your cart does not contain any items.