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Sacraliteit, axiologie en ecologie: een discussiebijdrage over "de mens aan de grens" (1985) van Jaap Kruithof

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Abstract

Sacrality, axiology and ecology - This paper takes the form of a discussion with the author of the book under review and is an attempt to show, as is argued by J. Kruithof himself, that an objectivistic axiology is possible by analysing some of its basic principles. It expresses disagreement, however, with respect to the structure of this axiology; moreover, instead of linking axiological and deontic value and duty, it argues for a strong differentiation between the two. The paper also tries to show that the inspiration of the ecological movement is not to be found in some sort of ‘atheistic religiosity’, although, just like the book, but in different ways, it defends the possibility of an ‘atheistic religious life’. To the sociologist, the paper will appear as a discussion about the function of the religious in a radically secularized society. Both Kruithof and Apostel are convinced that historical materialism (accepted by both), if well understood, implies that a certain type of religious life has emancipatory value, but they disagree about the exact description of this religious life: Kruithof strongly stresses its militant value in the struggle for ecological salvation, while Apostel, agreeing with the paramount importance of the ecological movement, believes that ‘the new religiosity’ should not (and cannot) be used as an instrument in this battle.

How to Cite:

Apostel, L., (1986) “Sacraliteit, axiologie en ecologie: een discussiebijdrage over "de mens aan de grens" (1985) van Jaap Kruithof”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 31(2), 124–148. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.94924