Projects / Programmes
Dialogue in the Global Multicultural Society
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 6.11.00 |
Humanities |
Theology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| H002 |
Humanities |
Theology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 6.03 |
Humanities |
Philosophy, Ethics and Religion |
theology, philosophy, dialogue, intersubjectivity, dialogue in the postmodern thought, dialogical ethics, ecumenism, pluralism, moral dialogue, multiculturalism, interculturality, education for dialogue
Researchers (7)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
The research project Dialogue in the Global Multicultural Society will explore dialogue, particularly dialogue from the theological, philosophical, anthropological, pedagogical and social perspective. It will show the basic prerequisites of such a dialogue, its characteristics and role in modern world, which is characterized by the globality (globalization in terms of an uneasy gift of interconnection and interdependence, and confrontation with other traditions and heritage) and multiculturalism, for which we trying to find a different basis in interculturality and cultural dialogue after its recent proclamation of a failed project (Germany, UK). Central themes the project is going explore are the following: theology and dialogue, ecumenism, interfaith and inter-religious dialogue and women's interfaith dialogue, a dialogue in the context to postmodern thought and Christianity, dialogue in the tradition of philosophy of (inter)subjectivity, dialogism as the cornerstone of a healthy society, the possibilities of dialogue on specific political-ideological, economic and social relations, and moral dialogue in relation to the structure of morality and different moral theories. On the basis of the theoretical starting points the project tends to address the Slovenian past and present time from the perspective of dialogism. Contemporary society is characterized by the growing conflict, loss of trust, global (globalized) dependence (Singer, Appiah), lack of compassion (Rifkin), instrumentalism (Gaita), the fragility of some individual identities (Bauman), and prevalence of selected collective identities (Sen) as well as the lack of genuine dialogism and genuine relationship. More and more pressing conflicts require an open dialogue that would provide for their solution. We can ask ourselves the following question; what are the terms of such dialogue in a multicultural society where it is not possible to rely solely on our own tradition and where are the institutions and bearers of a dialogue and interculturality, both globally and in the Slovenian contex. Genuine dialogue is a necessary basis for solidarity and compassionate society that is tolerant. Where are the values, institutions and bearers of dialogue? After the end of the Cold War two major global perspectives emerged, namely the view of a clash of civilizations (Huntington) and the idea of ??the end of history with the prevalence of liberalism (Fukuyama). Attempts were made to overcome the insufficiencies of both views using the model of dialogue among civilizations (UN resolution; 2001 as the Year of Dialogue among Civilizations); however, the fundamentals of such model were not thoroughly thought through. The project will also address the situation of dialogue in Slovenian society, which is still characterized with the transition period. The objectives of the project are to apply a multidisciplinary approach (theology, philosophy, anthropology, sociology) to explore the foundations of dialogue and dialogism of human nature. The result of the project will bring a comprehensive understanding of dialogue and possibilities of its application in the modern world. The project represents a scientificaly original and pioneering work, particularly in terms of a fruitful integration of various disciplines and approaches. Results of the project will significantly contribute to a rising field between theology, philosophy (intercultural philosophy, ethics), sociology, and anthropology. The novel topics such as globalization, empathy, fairness, democracy and dialogue in a global society (Beck) will allow (including international activities and cooperation with foreign research group and researchers) Slovenian researchers to make scientific impact as part of international scientific space; the results will allow to understand and develop strategies for managing and overcoming differences in society (both locally and globally) and to reduce conflict and tensions.
Significance for science
The project research group has with their research activity and results showed the importance of establishing genuine dialogue, starting at the ground level, because this allows the successful functioning of people in the wider socio-political dimensions. In published research we convincingly demonstrated this important anthropological dimension as influential in all activities of social life. This confirmed that the problem of dialogue is an important problem in humanities and topical problem of modern globalized multicultural society. It is also important for clarifying the issues violence of religion, politics and ideologies, which are becoming more and more important in the face of globalization and especially challenge of violent groups, who often refer to the religious background, although it is often social dimension that lies at the origin. We have pointed out important new aspects of the genesis of intersubjective experiences, the body (gestures, touches) and temporality (the relationship between interior and exterior). There are also significant new insights on the level of original research in philosophy of elements, especially breathing and breath. We have established a deeper understanding of the historical and structural differences between the biblical-Christian and Greek philosophical thought paradigm and provided a better insight into modern thought and its ability to dialogue. These insights contribute to the development both within philosophy and theology. Understandings of dialogue were also combined with three highly topical themes: 1. to education that encourages creativity, 2. with the media and their transmission to the image of God or religious ideas, and 3. concrete challenges for dialogue between Christians and modern secularised culture. The project has helped to improve the dialogue between the (post)modern philosophical thought, which is characterized by modernity, and the Christian message, which has many problems, how to adapt your message language and thinking of modern times. Efficient possibility of mutual understanding is important both for Christianity, which otherwise runs the risk of isolation within the company, as well as to society through dialogue with Christianity easier to develop an awareness of their own historical identity. Relevant research results also include innovative research work and results of dialogue in the context of a female dimension of interreligious dialogue, which is from the point of view of development of Slovenian science a pioneering work, because this kind of research in Slovenia is novel and has not yet found a robust placement in the context of theological science. Therefore, the project has consequently opened up new areas and introduced new terminology. The results of the project are original and important contribution to the theology and philosophy of dialogue, creating new views on topics of dialogue, intersubjectivity, tolerance, world ethos, overcoming moral disagreement between cultures, religions and inter-religious dialogue, etc. The scientific and expert relevance of this includes the fundamental theoretical considerations and focuses on the practical applicability. The research is an original scientific contribution in the field of dialogical thinking and enables deployment of theoretical models of communication between science, ideological groups and practical in everyday social practice. We have shown the obstacles of such communication and develop models of good communication on both theoretical and practical levels. Through collaboration with research groups group from abroad (University of Innsbruck; USA), through participation in international conferences, through publications in international scientific journals and monographs issued by renowned publishing house, we introduced our researchers abroad and facilitated the further fruitful work and scientific cooperation, which will all have great significance for the science in Slovenia.
Significance for the country
Modern Western society and Slovenia as its part is a highly fragmented; among groups with different views and cultures mostly conflict and mere tolerance are emerging, but rarely respect and common considerations and activities. Better knowledge of the necessary elements of genuine dialogue at the social level secures first that the attention is shifted from the approach "to suffer another" towards "to meet the other". Next, it allows for the refinement of their own and other identities and search for "core social values”," which on the one hand allow for social cohesion, and on the other hand support diversity. Dialogue presents a problem especially in Slovenian transition society, which is in many ways still traumatized by the recent past wounds. Detection of these dimensions means paving the way for dialogue in our immediate cultural and ideological, and thus also the social and political dimensions. Since the problems are resolved locally, this means that dialogic processes of removing obstacles provides important conditions for strengthening personal and national identity as well as the path to economic and social performance. Ethical society is a dialogical society. In the project we have developed new aspects of research, previously underdeveloped and underrepresented in Slovenia: Feuerbach’s ethics, Gadamer’s hermeneutics, Mead's philosophy and research of philosophy of Luce Irigaray. This is a contribution to the understanding of dialogue, especially the dialogue between philosophy and theology, between reason and faith, between modern thought and Christianity. As in the Slovenian society there is a lot of prejudices that hinder dialogue between Christianity and secular society, publications of the project contributed to a better mutual understanding and overcoming traditional separations. The results have contributed to overcoming deep-seated prejudice among male normativity in the religious field and represent a major contribution to raising ethical awareness-raising and empowerment of the individual. In the historical period of general crisis in Slovenia we defended and justified the view that the challenge of dialogue is moral-spiritual in nature, rather than normative-epistemological, where we are looking for more knowledge. When we say moral nature we think of dialogue as a value, without which we have no future as a nation. In Slovenia and in Europe a culture of genuine dialogue is very weak. Only a few actually listen and recognize other that are different; genuine encounters with different cultures are rare and here we pointed out the importance of interactive dialogic process that is creative for both partners. That tolerance is not enough, it has been shown in England, where instead of trying to develop multiculturalism they are developing interculturality (interculturalism). Such a shift is needed for the development of Slovenia to become successful, cooperative society, who would foster development. The results of the project are an important contribution to social development (especially in light of the necessity of social dialogue as the best operational basis for resolving social tensions between conceptual and ideological groups, industries and activities as a way of overcoming the social crisis: social inclusion, co-existence and application of educational outcomes (family) and educational projects, from primary schools to universities). The project has laid the foundation for a different level of dialogic society and provided models for the resolution of disputes and conflicts between different social groups or individuals. The project has contributed to the justification and insights into value horizon of social integrity, contributed to breaking down of prejudices and established conditions for a more genuine mutual respect and dialogue.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
