deBuren

In his latest novel, Moreel Esperanto, the well-known Dutch professor and opinion-maker Prof. Paul Cliteur argues in favour of separating ethics and religion. Confronted by the problems religious fundamentalism and terrorism pose to society, and using philosophical ethics as a guideline, in this work he searches for a universal morality that does not need a religious foundation. Cliteur discusses the theory of divine command, which guides the adherents of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; who in their actions and political decisions are led by the will of God. In order to substantiate his argument against religious morality, Cliteur liberally draws from history and current affairs, ranging from the religiously motivated assassination of William of Orange to the recent upheaval around the publication of Danish cartoons.

In deBuren, Cliteur will enter into a discussion with author, moral philosopher, and anthropologist Prof. Rik Pinxten, professor of Comparative Cultural Studies at Ghent University. Both speakers will begin with a short talk followed by a discussion.