Too Much, Too Little, or the Wrong Kind of ‘'Theory' in the Study of Religions?

In response to the recent publication of Theory In a Time of Excess this article offers an outsider perspective on the theoretical issues raised and why they are ultimately unlikely to be resolved. The article argues that there is a widespread problematic tendency to equate theory with a specific ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Kavanagh, Christopher M. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Brill [2018]
In: Method & theory in the study of religion
Year: 2018, Volume: 30, Issue: 4/5, Pages: 463-471
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Theory in a time of excess / Science of Religion / Religion / Theory / Kognitive Religionswissenschaft
RelBib Classification:AA Study of religion
AB Philosophy of religion; criticism of religion; atheism
AE Psychology of religion
Further subjects:B Critical Theory
B Methodology
B cognitive science of religion
B Review
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
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Description
Summary:In response to the recent publication of Theory In a Time of Excess this article offers an outsider perspective on the theoretical issues raised and why they are ultimately unlikely to be resolved. The article argues that there is a widespread problematic tendency to equate theory with a specific category of critical theory that tautologically restricts the theoretical boundaries of the study of religion field and neglects the contributions of more empirically inclined theorists. In a similar manner, essentialising narratives about the Cognitive Science of Religion that portray the field as unified and monolithic are highlighted and the validity of such critiques is questioned.
ISSN:1570-0682
Contains:Enthalten in: Method & theory in the study of religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/15700682-12341439