Social Science, Philosophy and Theology in Dialogue: A Relational Perspective

Description

This volume explores the potential of employing a relational paradigm for the purposes of interdisciplinary exchange. Bringing together scholars from the social sciences, philosophy and theology, it seeks to bridge the gap between subject areas by focusing on real phenomena.Although these phenomena are studied by different disciplines, the editors demonstrate that it is also possible to study them from a common relational perspective that connects the different languages, theories and perspectives which characterize each discipline, by going beyond their differences to the core of reality itself. As an experimental collection that highlights the potential that exists for cross-disciplinary work, this volume will appeal to scholars across a range of field concerned with critical realist approaches to research, collaborative work across subjects and the manner in which disciplines can offer one another new insights. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of contributors Foreword: Varieties of relational social theory Introduction Contra the Plural Subject Contra relationalist sociology Conclusion Notes References Note Introduction: The relational paradigm as interface between the theological, philosophical, and social sciences Note Part I Fundamentals of the paradigm Chapter 1 The enigma of relation and the theological matrix of society The problem of the enigma and of its matrix The enigma of relation How can we confront the enigma? How do we respond to the enigma? The ontology of relation The contribution of relational sociology The destiny of western rationality To conclude: the meaning of life lies in the enigma of relation Notes References Chapter 2 From the person to society and vice versa: What is the use of the relational paradigm? The relational subject The relational approach and the systemic approach The human/non-human distinction The normativity inherent in relation Conclusions Notes References Chapter 3 Subjectivity, reflexivity, and the relational paradigm Consciousness and subject Reflection as internal conversation Agent subject in relation: The consciousness of action The situated subject Relational reflexivity and gift Conclusion Notes References Chapter 4 Trinitarian ontology and interdisciplinary research Introduction: what we are discussing The philosophical-religious legacy: which logos? The first theological nucleus: the creation The second theological nucleus: the Son Relational epistemology: mystery and enigma Conclusions Notes References Part II Applications and perspectives Chapter 5 Relations and “good reasons” The failed centrality of the relational dimension: an importance concealed and ignored The analysis of believers and necessary relation The sharing of the good reasons In conclusion: sharing of the “good reasons” and social bonds Notes References Chapter 6 The relational paradigm and the family Introduction Overcoming individualization: a challenge for sociological approaches to the family Hypothesis and development of the relational approach The category of the relation in relationistic approaches What value does the relational approach add to the method? Notes References Chapter 7 The relational paradigm and education Relational sociologies and education Beyond modern reductionism with regard to the relationship between society and school systems A critique of the constructivist approach Towards a new reflexive educational relationship Notes References Chapter 8 The (complicated) relations between sociology and theology Is a relation between theology and sociology useful (or even necessary)? The position of Milbank The position of Beed A crucial question History and actuality of Christian sociology The position of M. Archer Conclusions Notes References Afterword Index