The Limits of Theory in Trauma and Transcendence

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Eric Boynton ◽  
Peter Capretto
Keyword(s):  
Philosophy Of Religion ◽  
Continental Philosophy ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Continental Philosophy Of Religion

This introduction describes the challenge of how to think trauma in light of the field's burgeoning interdisciplinarity, and often its theoretical splintering. The introduction offers an overview of scholarship on trauma that has always been challenged by the temporal, affective, and corporeal dimensions of trauma itself, yet it has recently been rendered all the more complex by theoretical and methodological issues that have emerged for these disciplines in their attempts to think trauma. From distinctive disciplinary vectors, the introduction introduces the work of philosophers, social theorists, philosophical psychologists and theologians that considers the limits and prospects of theory when thinking trauma and transcendence, particularly as it relates to Continental Philosophy of Religion.

Trauma and Transcendence

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Theory ◽  
Philosophy Of Religion ◽  
Continental Philosophy ◽  
Trauma Theory ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Interdisciplinary Work ◽  
The Past ◽  
Continental Philosophy Of Religion

Within the humanities, specifically in the past decade, trauma theory has become a robust site of interdisciplinary work. Trauma resonates with scholars in and across disciplines and has become a trope with a distinctive significance. The scope of scholarship on trauma has always been challenged by the temporal, affective, and corporeal dimensions of trauma itself, yet it has recently been rendered all the more complex by theoretical and methodological issues that have emerged for these disciplines in their attempts to think trauma. This volume gathers scholars in a variety of disciplines to meet the challenge of how to think trauma in light of its burgeoning interdisciplinarity, and often its theoretical splintering. From distinctive disciplinary vectors, the work of philosophers, social theorists, philosophical psychologists and theologians consider the limits and prospects of theory when thinking trauma and transcendence. By bringing together scholars at the intersections of trauma, social theory, and especially the continental philosophy of religion, this volume draws attention to the increasing challenge of deciding whether trauma’s transcendent, evental, or unassimilable quality is being wielded as a defense of traumatic experience against reductionism, or whether it is promulgated as a form of obscurantism.

Continental Philosophy of Religion in a Kenotic Tone

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Aaron Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Philosophy Of Religion ◽  
Continental Philosophy ◽  
Academic Study ◽  
Continental Philosophy Of Religion ◽  
Productive Engagement

In this chapter, an account is offered of what renewal in continental philosophy of religion might involve. It is argued that a “kenotic tone” is needed. In particular, in order for continental philosophy to live, it must die to itself in the areas of confession, insularity, and arrogance. Such a kenotic tone should signal that continental philosophy of religion is not concerned about reinforcing its own significance, but instead is significant because it offers important resources for thinking philosophically—but also personally, hospitably, and humbly—about religion. This account of renewal in continental philosophy of religion, in turn, is likely to foster productive engagement both with analytic philosophers of religion and also with scholars in other fields working in the academic study of religion.

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