Author: YU Hang, Lecturer, School of Liberal Arts, Guangxi Normal University.
Abstract:
The contemporary philosopher Charles Taylor’ philosophical thought is dedicated to narrating the genealogy of modernity, and to finding practical possilbilites for religious belief in new circumstances. The works of Dostoevsky, written at a pivotal time for Russian modernity, provide inspiration and resources for much of Taylor`s secular writing, as this paper explores. The paper first shoes how Dostoevsky’s “The Grand Inquisitor” is an important literary resource for Taylor`s analysis of the theological origins of modernity, showing how the games between religious authorities and scular powers eventually led the loss of a transcendental basis in the modern moral order. Secondly, Dostoevsky’s interpretation of evil influenced Taylor’s analysis of modern violence. Thirdly, Taylor saw in Dostoevsky’s literary practice hope for finding a transcendental basis for the modern moral order in the secular world with with “a subtler language”.
Keywords:
Charles Taylor; modernity; Dostoevsky; a subtler language; transcendence
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