Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

As originally articulated by Karl Jaspers, the axial age theory claims that series of structurally similar and remarkably transformative religious-philosophical movements (e.g., Confucianism, Buddhism, Upanishad Hinduism, Greek philosophy, and prophetic Judaism) erupted throughout Eurasia during first millennium BCE. Prominent theorists, such as Habermas, Taylor, Bellah, and Eisenstadt, have used this theory to reconceptualize the role of religion in the modern world. Yet none have given much attention to Jaspers’ suggestion that a second axial age will likely eventually emerge in response to the pressures of globalization. This second axial age would involve the global triumph of neither Western liberalism nor efforts to revitalize one or another of the great premodern traditions. It would rather emerge as humanity creatively weaves the rich harvests of their religious and political traditions into something new. This paper outlines Jaspers’ theory of the second axial age and explores how it relates to ongoing efforts to reimagine the place of religion in an age of rapid globalization.