Transcendence and Beyond: A Postmodern Inquiry

by John D. Caputo (Editor), Michael J. Scanlon (Editor)

Transcendence and Beyond poses the classical questions of transcendence in a postmodern setting. Do we need a transcendence that is ever more beyond or should we put transcendence behind us altogether? Is it the case that, when seen in a postmodern light, transcendence must be itself transcended? In this thought-provoking volume, Jean-Luc Marion, Gianni Vattimo, and a distinguished group of international philosophers and theologians interrogate transcendence for today’s philosophy of religion. The essays gathered here examine notions of transcendence to assess its relevance and meaning in a postmodern context as well as to determine how it might be usefully refitted. Various subthemes, such as creation, love, religious language, the question of the impossible and that of becoming, emerge with a new definition of transcendence. Poised at the intersection of philosophy and religion, these reflections provide a benchmark for renewed consideration of this classic philosophical and religious theme.

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

John D. Caputo is an American philosopher who is the Thomas J. Watson Professor of Religion Emeritus at Syracuse University and the David R. Cook Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Villanova University. Caputo is a major figure associated with Postmodern Christianity, Continental Philosophy of Religion, as well as the founder of the theological movement known as weak theology. Much of Caputo's work focuses on hermeneutics, phenomenology, deconstruction and theology.