Explaining the Sacred with Robin Hanson: What Is Valued From Near and Afar

The first of a series of conversations with Robin Hanson, this salon will discuss what “the sacred” is and how best to identify and explain its roles in human life. Hosted by Thomas Arnold.

This conversation with Robin Hanson will be “sacred talk,” exploring what the sacred means and attempting to explain how it works in human life. We will learn about his recent thoughts on how the sacred guides people to “see things from afar, even though they are near” as well as the many characteristics he has proposed are how sacred matters are treated. Among the questions we will pursue:

• How does explaining the sacred incorporate the many conflicting forms of religious and cultural practices human history has produced?
• Is the “sacred” disappearing from parts of modern life, or is is just showing up in unrecognized and unfamiliar forms?
• How should we best scrutinize and evaluate existing conceptions of the sacred, especially their social and political uses?

Please bring your questions and thoughts, reading Robin’s piece below if you can!

Recommended materials:

• We See the Sacred From Afar To See It The Same