Robert Petkovsek Books

The issue of the ethical implications of monotheism is a very relevant topic from the point of view of contemporary humanities and social science, and from the perspective of the cultural and political condition in Europe and at the global scale. Therefore a scientific book devoted to this subject makes a lot of sense. Throughout the history and in present times, monotheism has been subjected to several sharp criticisms. On the other hand, we find also very different evaluations of it. They stress its positive and even crucial contribution to peace, forming of rational, non-violent, tolerant culture and society, to the scientific, political and cultural development, to democracy etc. The book offers fresh interdisciplinary perspectives - mainly from the point of view of humanities - on the ethical aspects of monotheism, broadens the scientific understanding of it, and establishes a basis for resolving conflicts to which the understanding of monotheism is relevant or even decisive.

The crucial question of our time is: How to preserve humanity, humanitas, in a world of radical and not so long ago practically unimaginable technological possibilities? The book addresses this issue through its treatment of transhumanism, a diverse movement the representatives of which promise and advocate for the enhancement of human being through modern science, technology, and pharmacology. Their views differ in the degree of extremity, and they contain many ambiguities, as well as pitfalls and dangers that require an answer from both ethical and religious points of view. The book deepens the understanding of transhumanism in an interdisciplinary way and thus helps to form the right attitude towards it that will truly benefit human flourishing. It offers a rich variety of views on transhumanism, ranging from its illumination in the light of contemporary research into happiness, through liberal eugenics and biopolitics, all the way to its considerations in terms of religions and manifestations in concrete works of art.

Various fundamental and vital areas and aspects of human life are in some way crucially interwoven with the ideas, ideals, and practices of sacrifice. As an attention-grabbing example of how importantly sacrifice may influence society, let us mention (suicide) terrorist attacks that by spreading sorrow, panics, and fear have changed the face of today's world. But the importance of sacrifice reaches broader and deeper. The authors of this book show that it is connected with the origins of human culture and its transformations. This interdisciplinary book brings the results of the research in the areas of humanities and social science. Various aspects of sacrifice are considered and connected. The book is an important contribution to the formation of a culture of sacrifice and offering, appropriate for the modern world. Professor Robert Petkovsek is the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana. Research Professor Bojan Zalec is the Head of the Institute of Philosophy and Social Ethics at the Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana.