Conatus - Journal of Philosophy vol. 11, no. 1 (2026) Special Issue: The Disenchantment of the World Secularization and the Modern Predicament. Guest Editor: Nicolas Prevelakis

2024-10-08

Conatus - Journal of Philosophy is pleased to announce a Special Issue in 2026 dedicated to the theme of “The Disenchantment of the World: Secularization and the Modern Predicament.” This issue aims to explore the philosophical, historical, and sociocultural dimensions of secularization, examining its impact on various aspects of contemporary life, including politics, ethics, education, and religion. We welcome original articles that provide fresh insights into the concept of secularization, its evolution, and its effects on modern societies. We invite submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  •  The philosophical foundations, underpinnings and critiques of secularization: (e.g. Max Weber, Baruch Spinoza, Thomas Hobbes),
  •  The different meanings of the term “secularization”,
  •  The religious roots of secularization,
  • The relationship between secularization and modernity,
  • The relationship between secularization and political theology,
  • The theologico-political predicament: Intersections between religious authority and political sovereignty,
  • Secularization and the transformation of religious beliefs, practices and institutions, case studies from history (e.g., Gallicanism, Kemalism),
  • De-secularization movements and the resurgence of religion in political contexts (e.g., Islamic Revolution, Fundamentalism),
  • The impact of secularization on ethics and moral philosophy in a post-religious context,
  • Comparative secularization: Western and non-Western perspectives,
  • The effects of secularization on public policy, education, and law,
  • Secularization and the resurgence of religion: Post-secular debates and de-secularization,
  • Secularization and modern nationalism,
  • Political secularism and the separation of church and state,
  • Functional equivalents of religion in a secular age,
  • The role of science and technology in the secularization process

The phenomenon of secularization continues to be a significant and debated issue in contemporary philosophy and social theory. We encourage contributions that offer new theoretical perspectives, critical analyses, or interdisciplinary approaches that enhance our understanding of secularization and its implications for various domains of human life. We look forward to receiving your submissions. Manuscripts are due by January 30, 2026. The Special Issue will be published (both print and online) in June 30, 2026.

For guidelines on how to prepare and submit your manuscript, please visit Conatus Home Page. You may also contact the Guest Editor, Dr. Nicolas Prevelakis (prevelak@fas.harvard.edu) with the subject heading “Secularization submission. Manuscripts should be submitted directly through the online OJS platform at the submission page mentioning in the comments-to-the-editor field that your submission is for the special issue on secularization.

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