Embracing Complexity and Diversity: A Moral Vision for the 21st Century
By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam
25 July 2024
In Practice, This Ethic of Intellectual Love and
Presumptive Tolerance Might Manifest in Myriad Ways. It Could Inspire Greater
Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation, Where Adherents of Different Religious
Traditions Come Together to Explore Their Shared Values and Points of
Connection
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“we need an ethic that is grounded in
intellectual love of the complexity of being and infused with the presumptive
tolerance of a variety of faiths” by W.E.
Connolly:
In an age of growing division and
polarization, the words of philosopher William
E. Connolly ring truer than ever. His call for “an ethic that is
grounded in intellectual love of the complexity of being and infused with the
presumptive tolerance of a variety of faiths” points the way toward a more
compassionate, nuanced, and pluralistic approach to ethics and morality.
At the heart of Connolly’s vision is a deep
appreciation for the fundamental complexity and multiplicity that defines the
human condition. Rather than seeking simplistic answers or singular moral
frameworks, he urges us to embrace the richness and diversity inherent in the
“complexity of being.” This means acknowledging the myriad, belief system, cultural
traditions, and lived experiences that shape our world, rather than privileging
one over the others.
Representative Photo from File
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Too often, ethical discourse has been
dominated by rigid dogma and exclusionary thinking. Proponents of different
moral philosophies or religious traditions have tended to view their own
beliefs as the sole repository of truth, dismissing or demonizing alternative
perspectives. This zero-sum mentality has fuelled endless conflicts, from the
bloody wars of religion to the culture wars of the modern era.
Connolly’s ethic, by contrast, is grounded
in what he calls an “intellectual love” – a curious, open-minded, and
empathetic engagement with the full spectrum of human experience. Rather than
imposing a predetermined set of rules or commandments, this approach encourages
us to continually examine, question, and expand our moral horizons. It recognizes
that the “complexity of being” is not a problem to be solved, but a wellspring
of insight and enlightenment.
At the same time, Connolly’s vision is not
one of moral relativism or indifference. He does not advocate for a
free-for-all where “anything goes.” Instead, he calls for a “presumptive
tolerance” – a default posture of respect and openness toward diverse faiths
and worldviews. This means striving to understand and engage with perspectives
that may be radically different from our own, rather than dismissing or
demonizing them.
Crucially, this presumptive tolerance does
not mean blind acceptance or uncritical affirmation. It is not a license for
moral nihilism or ethical abdication. Rather, it is a humble acknowledgment
that absolute moral certainty is elusive, and that the search for truth is an
ongoing, collaborative process. It is a recognition that even the most deeply
held beliefs may be enriched and expanded through dialogue and exchange.
In practice, this ethic of intellectual
love and presumptive tolerance might manifest in myriad ways. It could inspire
greater interfaith dialogue and cooperation, where adherents of different
religious traditions come together to explore their shared values and points of
connection, rather than focusing solely on their differences. It could foster
more nuanced and empathetic political discourse, where ideological opponents
seek to understand each other’s underlying motivations and concerns, rather
than engaging in simplistic partisan warfare.
It could also spur a more holistic and
inclusive approach to education, where students are exposed to a diverse array
of philosophical, cultural, and religious traditions, and encouraged to grapple
with the complexities and ambiguities inherent in each. Rather than simply
imparting a fixed body of knowledge, this approach would cultivate critical
thinking, intellectual humility, and a thirst for lifelong learning.
Ultimately, Connolly’s vision offers a
powerful antidote to the growing forces of tribalism, intolerance, and moral
absolutism that threaten to tear our world apart. By embracing the “complexity
of being” and the “presumptive tolerance of a variety of faiths,” we can move
beyond the shallow certainties of dogma and embrace the rich, messy, and
endlessly fascinating tapestry of human experience.
This is not to say that such an ethic will
be easy to implement or that it will immediately resolve all of our moral and
social conflicts. Deeply entrenched beliefs, power structures, and cultural
divides will not be easily overcome. And there will undoubtedly be instances
where the principle of presumptive tolerance must be balanced against other
important values, such as the need to protect the vulnerable or to defend
fundamental human rights.
In the end, the stakes of embracing this
ethic of intellectual love and presumptive tolerance could not be higher. In a
world increasingly defined by polarization, xenophobia, and the erosion of
democratic norms, the very future of our shared civilization may depend on our
ability to transcend the limits of our own parochial perspectives and embrace
the full scope of human diversity and complexity.
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A decades
old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study
of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science;
Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith
University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (
co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and Honora in
Islam and Interfaith Engagement Beyond
the Divide (Springer)
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism