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How can considerations of spirituality help support European democratic governance?
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Florence : European University Institute, 2024
EUI; STG; Master Thesis
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ALTAF, Meriam, How can considerations of spirituality help support European democratic governance?, Florence : European University Institute, 2024, EUI, STG, Master Thesis - https://hdl.handle.net/1814/77126
Abstract
This thesis investigates considerations of spirituality through a secularisation lens. While, counterintuitive, since secularism is what seems to be the opposite of spirituality, research indicates that it forms and shapes new spiritual identities that are coming out of religious and secular relationship. The research delves into secular approaches to spirituality within various forms of European governance. It begins by examining the nuances of secularism and its governance structures, then analyses specific European political and legal developments to support its theoretical framework. It then engages with major scholars on secularism, such as Charles Taylor and Habermas who discuss the emergence of a new ‘secular sacred’ and provides a philosophical dimension to the discourse. The conclusion drawn is that the current paradigm of spiritual identity in Europe is outdated, as the secular-religious dynamic is neither efficient nor reflective of contemporary social identities. Suggesting that further research is essential, as society is unlikely to revert to its previous levels of religiosity and present persistent yet outdated relationship between secularism and religion indicates a need for an evolutionary approach.
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Award date: 14 June 2024
Supervisor: Prof. Kalypso Nicolaïdis (European University Institute)
Supervisor: Prof. Kalypso Nicolaïdis (European University Institute)