Secularization in Gianni Vattimo’s thought

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to present the concept of secularization from the perspective of Gianni Vattimo’s philosophy, highlighting the relationship between this concept and religion, which he addresses in some of his works. Vattimo sought to ground and explain the concept of secularization in the context of the message revealed by Christianity, but specifically through the concept of kenosis. In fact, Vattimo presents us with a critical view of the influence of religion in modern society based on a discussion of the concept of secularization. According to the philosopher, modernity and secularization are inevitable processes, specifically in the characterization of the value of the new. The fundamental key to reading Vattimo is related to interpretation, both in the history of salvation and in the history of interpretation. In order to meet the objectives, two topics will be developed: (a) Religion, modernity and secularization and (b) Secularization and the emptying of God.