What is the true calling of the intellectual? In this provocative new book, Andrew Shanks presents a distinctive fresh answer. The Other Calling is a systematic riposte both to the elitism of philosophy in the heritage of Plato, and to the typical individualism of Plato's philosophic opponents. Here, instead, intellectual integrity is identified with a form of priesthood.
Asserts that intellectuals are critical to bringing together the common aspirations of a community
Offers a strikingly original approach to the moral and political aspects of theology’s relationship with philosophy, exploring the perspectives of both disciplines
Draws on the work and thought of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Agnostics, and Atheists
Argues for a new, religiously multicultural “priesthood of all thinkers”, considering how once, all intellectuals were as a matter of course also priests
Published in the new and prestigious Illuminations series
About the Author
Andrew Shanks is the Canon Theologian for Manchester Cathedral. He is also the author of the following books: Hegel's Political Theology (1991), Civil Society, Civil Religion (Blackwell, 1995), God and Modernity (2000), What is Truth? (2001), and Faith in Honesty (2006).
Features
A provocative and unique book which questions what the true calling is of the intellectual, identifying intellectual integrity with a form of priesthood
Asserts that intellectuals are critical to bringing together the common aspirations of a community
Offers a strikingly original approach to the moral and political aspects of theology’s relationship with philosophy, exploring the perspectives of both disciplines
Draws on the work and thought of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Agnostics, and Atheists
Argues for a new, religiously multicultural “priesthood of all thinkers”, considering how once, all intellectuals were as a matter of course also priests
Published in the new and prestigious Illuminations series
