Believing and Doubting: A Sociological and Pragmatist Perspective
Type de matériel :
85
This sociological analysis considers belief as a “believing in the act” and not solely as an assent to a proposition taken to be true. This paper first demonstrates the relevance of the pragmatist approach in dealing with belief (Dewey, Bernstein). It then examines the “believing in the act” and its relation to uncertainty in light of three ideal-types of modalities: belief as aspiration (Simmel), belief as “self-discipline” (Mahmood, Foucault), and belief as experience of being together (Hervieu-Léger). In reality, these modalities may coexist or alternate in a given person. Empirical data are drawn from case studies concerning Catholic, Evangelical, and Islamic practices. The effects of the intensification of belief on dealing with uncertainty are also discussed.
Réseaux sociaux