Religion, Reality, and a Good Life

Born 1946; studies of theology and philosophy at Uppsala University; 1977 Dr. theol.; since 1988 Professor of philosophy of religion at Uppsala University.

• I. The aim of the book and the nature of the problemThe nature of the enquiry - The philosophical problem formulated - Religion and philosophy - PhilosophyII. The problem of realism in generalReasons for and against metaphysical realism - Critique of semantic realism - Pragmatic realism: realism from an internal perspectiveIII. The problem of religious realismReligious metaphysical realism - Religious metaphysical anti-realism - Religious statements as purported assertionsIV. Pragmatic realism with respect to religionChristian theism - The character of religious utterances - Pragmatic realism - The function of religion - Two material definitions of truthV. Views of life and a fulfilling lifePerspectives on views of life - The role of the emotions in our conception of reality - Emotions and the conceptualization of values