Reformulating The Project Of Autonomy

Chapter Summary

The project of autonomy is a conscious and explicit attempt to recognize and advance the plurality inherent in society which is inherently driven towards unity. The creativity of the radical imaginary generates difference, heterogeneity, plurality. Castoriadis' project of autonomy aims to create a society in which individuals can clearly and lucidly express themselves, determining their own orientation to the world, creating meaning in their lives, and can effectively participate in all forms of instituting power in society. This chapter discusses Taylor's more considered and nuanced analysis of the varieties of religious expression in the contemporary world with the aim of better understanding the potential for autonomous religious expression, and religious expression within an autonomous society. It addresses Castoriadis' dismissal of hermeneutic interpretation, primarily in relation to the 'interpretative dimension of creation and the creativity of interpretation'.

Keywords: autonomous religious expression; autonomous society; Castoriadis; project of autonomy; Taylor