Abstract
This thesis investigates epistemological and ontological aspects of New Agespirituality. New Age is often characterised as subjectivist and relativist, and a
common assumption is that ' truth' is unimportant in New Age. However, the
evidence suggests that a much more nuanced picture is called for, and the aim of this study is to map in detail the epistemic strategies as well as the ontologies employed or recommended by New Age authors. The methodology employed is based on a close reading of New Age primary texts and involves the identification of ' subtexts'. Attention is directed, not only to the ontological implications of the teachings put forward, but also to how these are legitimised and to how authors seek to convince readers, as well as to how they expect readers to respond to the texts.
On this basis, a reassessment of the knowledge claims of New Age spirituality emerges as inevitable because the extent to which knowledge is claimed as objectively and absolutely valid and universally applicable is much greater than is
often acknowledge. To be sure, there are a number of elements which do suggest a measure of individualism, even relativism. For example, great importance is
accorded to the spiritual development of the individual, and New Age authors often teach that because everyone's spiritual needs are different everyone's path will be unique; drawing on a range of resources, individuals will mix and match beliefs and practices to address their particular spiritual needs. However, New Agers make knowledge claims, not only about their selves, but about the constitution of reality, and they develop visions of 'salvation' which apply to the world and society as a whole. Here, truth is still superior, objective and exclusive, and authoritative pronunciations of it still build on the notion that conformity to it is in one's best interests, and not really optional. This is easily shielded from view by a prominent discourse of personal empowerment and finding 'one's own truth'.
| Date of Award | 2009 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Geraint Tudur (Supervisor) & Bettina Schmidt (Supervisor) |