ISBN:
0773515178
Language:
English
Pages:
VIII, 242 S.
DDC:
305.5/52
Keywords:
Catholic Church - Doctrines - History
;
Katholische Kirche
;
Intellectuels - Histoire
;
Morale chrétienne - Histoire
;
Religion et culture - Histoire
;
Religion et morale - Histoire
;
Vie intellectuelle - Histoire
;
Geschichte
;
Catholics Attitudes
;
Christian ethics History
;
Intellectual life History
;
Intellectuals History
;
Intellectuals History
;
Religion and culture History
;
Religion and ethics History
;
Christliche Ethik
;
Religion
;
Kultur
;
Intellektueller
;
Frankreich
;
Intellektueller
;
Christliche Ethik
;
Kultur
;
Religion
Abstract:
Using France as the most representative case of a Catholic context, Andre J. Belanger argues that as French society became more secularized intellectuals replaced the clergy as arbitrators of justice and enlightenment. Catholic morality was consolidated by the scholastic tradition and confirmed by the Counter-Reformation, providing the foundation that allowed the establishment of a lay elite. Belanger describes the progressive takeover of positions of influence by the new elite in Catholic society and examines arguments used by thinkers from the seventeenth to the twentieth century to legitimize their positions. In contrast, the Anglo-Saxon Protestant tradition, due to its emphasis on the priesthood of all believers, led to recognition of the individual's conscience as the sole judge of her or his deeds and failed to provide intellectuals with the basis for any claim to serve as moral leaders in political affairs
Abstract:
Encompassing a variety of disciplines, this study will be of interest to students of political science, sociology, philosophy, and history
Permalink
