Religious Diversity and the Theory of Justification

Abstract

Given the ongoing and pervasive religious diversity that characterises contemporary life, constructive interaction with differing religious beliefs presents itself as an attractive option. Yet, constructive interaction must be conducted in a philosophically responsible manner, which includes considerations concerning the role of epistemic justification. In this and the following paper, Dirk-Martin Grube and I consider various issues related to the philosophical foundations of constructive interreligious interaction. I propose the notion of modal justification, which allows religious believers to ascribe positive epistemic status to the other’s belief, thus enabling constructive interaction, while also maintaining that the other’s belief is false.