Ernst Troeltsch and the Spirit of Modern Culture: A Social-Political Investigation (Troeltsch-studien - Neue Folge)

'Ernst Troeltsch was a theologian and sociologist but he was also a philosopher of culture. He was concerned with the "spirit of the modern world" throughout most of his academic life and chose to investigate a number of critical issues which he believed were especially problematic for the modern world. This book is an exploration of many of the key issues. It begins with an explanation of what Troeltsch believed the "spirit of the modern world" to be and then to explaining the debt that Troeltsch owed to Friedrich Schleiermacher for an understanding of the modern world. Chapters are then devoted to Troeltsch's investigations into issues such as the relationship between church and state, the role of natural law, the problems of historicism and pessimism, and it concludes with his observations about politics in war and in revolution. This work will be of interest to those concerned with understanding the modern world.' --Provided by publisher Ernst Troeltsch (1865-1923) was a theologian, a historian of religion, a cultural philosopher, and a politician. Although he championed the fundamental principles of the modern age derived from the Enlightenment, he also appreciated the historical relativity of all norms and nevertheless strove to implement liberal principles in the cultural sphere. Troeltsch's thinking is an enduring point of reference for present-day debates on the subject of religion, culture, and politics. The Troeltsch-Studien Neue Folge compile research on Ernst Troeltsch from a historical and systematic perspective and Preface Table of Contents Introduction Chapter One. The “Spirit of Modern Culture” Chapter Two. Troeltsch and Schleiermacher: A Cultural Dialogue Chapter Three. The Cultural Relationship Regarding Church and State Chapter Four. Natural Law and Culture Chapter Five. The Problem of Historicism and Culture Chapter Six. War and Revolution Chapter Seven. Modern Pessimism and Culture: Troeltsch’s Criticisms of Spengler Concluding Comment Bibliography Index of Names and Subjects