
Esotericism in Western Culture
Counter-Normativity and Rejected Knowledge
- 345 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
This accessible introduction by the world's leading expert explains why the study of esotericism is not a marginal pursuit but belongs at the center of modern research in the humanities. Reflecting updates in the field since the foundational publication Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed (2013), Wouter J. Hanegraaff demonstrates that the exclusion of "rejected knowledge" from normative accounts of Western civilization is the reflection of a narrow Eurocentric ideology that became the template for discrediting and ultimately destroying so-called "primitive" cultures associated with "superstition" and "pagan idolatry" during the global colonial age. Rejecting this "rejection of rejected knowledge" means restoring the suppressed to its legitimate place in history and cultural analysis. Through this approach, Wouter J. Hanegraaff depicts a radically inclusive vision of the Greater West and its forgotten histories, from pagan antiquity through Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures up to secular modernity and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Half Title
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: What Do We Mean by Esotericism?
- Chapter 2: A Short History of Rejected Knowledge
- Chapter 3: Internal Eurocentrism
- Chapter 4: Worldviews
- Chapter 5: Knowledge
- Chapter 6: Practice
- Chapter 7: Modernization
- Chapter 8: Esoteric Transdisciplinarity
- Chapter 9: The Global Importance of Esotericism
- Notes
- Appendix 1: Glossary of Technical Terms
- Appendix 2: Sources and Resources
- Bibliography
- Index of Names
- Index of Subjects