The Confession: History, Sociology, Philosophy
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: DULONG (Renaud), éd., L’Aveu � histoire, sociologie, philosophie
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
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Subtitle: Paris, P.U.F., 2001, 297 p. (coll. « Droit et justice »)
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Daniel Vidal
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: DULONG (Renaud), éd., L’Aveu � histoire, sociologie, philosophie
Year: 2001 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.20755
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The work edited by Renaud Dulong, titled L’Aveu � histoire, sociologie, philosophie, examines the multifaceted nature of the concept of confession or acknowledgment as it relates to the themes of law, social dynamics, and individual consciousness. This collection aims to dissect the notion of confession, which serves as a critical intersection between personal truth and social judgment, exploring its implications historically, sociologically, and philosophically within the context of ethics and justice.
The Complexity of Confession
One key concept discussed in the book is the nature of confession as an act of personal capitulation, which can often be coerced or compelled. An acknowledgment serves not merely as an admission of guilt but as a complicated phenomenon influenced by the dynamics of power between the confessor and the interrogator. This chapter highlights how confessions historically may be extracted through methods such as torture or intense psychological pressure, a situation that complicates their reliability and underscores a deeper struggle between the demand for truth and the mechanisms of control and authority in society.
The Ethical Dimension of Acknowledgment
Another significant theme involves the ethical implications of confession, where it transcends mere factual truth to engage with personal and communal identity. Dulong posits that an acknowledgment confronts the question of one’s subjectivity and serves as a bridge to self-understanding and transformation. The act reflects a dialogue between self and other, indicating that the confession not only has consequences for the individual but also acts as a means of social and ethical restitution. The process is acknowledged as vital in forming a coherent self-identity, suggesting that the road to truth is intertwined with ethical dimensions of innocence and culpability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dulong's edited volume on confession delves into the intricate relationship between acknowledgment, power, and ethics. It portrays confession as a complex act that plays a pivotal role in navigating personal responsibility and social accountability. By framing confession within broader historical, sociological, and philosophical contexts, the work contributes to a deeper understanding of how confessions influence not only individual narratives but also societal structures surrounding guilt, innocence, and justice. The exploration ultimately raises pressing questions about the nature of truth itself and its manifestation within human relationships.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the concept of an 'avowal' as described?
An avowal is an act that seeks to reconcile an individual with the imperative of truth, breaking through the confines of guilt and transgression to reestablish social bonds based on shared values.
What role does coercion play in obtaining an avowal?
An avowal can be coerced through various methods such as intimidation or misrepresentation, sometimes leading individuals to confess to crimes they did not commit, indicating its unreliable nature without substantial factual backing.
How does the avowal relate to concepts of truth and verification?
An avowal alone does not suffice as proof of guilt; it must be supported by clear factual narratives, binding the truth of the avowal to rigorous verification amid a broader judicial context.
What significance does the avowal hold in social and ethical contexts?
The avowal acts as a unique engagement with self and others, fostering mutual recognition and ethical subjectivity, highlighting the interdependence of individual responsibility and social order in relation to transgressions.
What philosophical implications arise from the act of avowal?
The act of avowal raises critical questions about identity and self-perception; it explores themes of innocence and guilt, tracing how personal confessions can shape one's status as a responsible ethical subject.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “The Confession: History, Sociology, Philosophy�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Confession:
Confession is a crucial act that seeks to reconcile guilt with truth. It functions as a speech act where the guilty party articulates their inner turmoil, making it central to the exploration of ethical and philosophical dimensions of individual consciousness and societal norms.
2) Truth:
The search for truth is a fundamental aspect of confession, as confessions are intended to reveal a version of truth that can restore justice and social ties. The nature of truth is complex, as it interacts with subjective experiences and societal expectations.
3) Philosophy:
Philosophy underpins the analysis of confession, probing its underlying concepts and ethical implications. It asks deep questions about human nature, morality, and the societal constructs that shape our understanding of guilt and innocence.
4) Religion:
Religion historically frames confession as a sacred act, intertwined with divine judgment and moral absolutes. The confessional practice reveals the sacred relationship between the individual, their sins, and the desire for redemption within a religious context.
5) Universe:
The universe of confession encompasses the broader social and psychological dimensions where guilt and truth interact. It highlights the complexities of human behavior and the societal structures that influence confessional acts.
6) Power:
Power dynamics are central to the act of confession, as the confessor's relationship with authority figures influences the authenticity and coercion involved in the act. The interplay of power determines the nature of confession and its repercussions.
7) Doubt:
Doubt arises as a fundamental challenge within the confession process, as the confessor may question their own guilt and the validity of their confessions. This inner conflict complicates the search for truth and moral resolution.
8) Judge:
The role of the judge is pivotal in the context of confession, as judgment reflects societal and moral standards. The judge’s interpretation of the confession affects the perceived truth and the subsequent sanction or exoneration of the individual.
9) Paris:
[see source text or glossary: Paris]
10) Ultimate:
The ultimate goal of confession is to achieve a state of reconciliation, where the act serves as a complete resolution of guilt. This 'ultimate' moment of truth is both aspirational and elusive in the confessional process.
11) Speech:
Speech acts in confession reveal the confessor's inner thoughts and desires, embodying the essence of their subjective experience. It represents a critical moment for dialogue and self-exploration regarding personal transgressions.
12) Crime:
Crime fundamentally shapes the nature of confession, as acknowledging wrongdoing—an offense against societal norms—drives the act. The confessional process seeks to contextualize crime within a framework of truth and redemption.
13) Realm:
The realm of confession extends beyond factual accounts, incorporating sacred and philosophical dimensions that explore the relationship between divine law, human action, and moral imperatives.
14) Consciousness:
Consciousness plays a key role in confession, as the act requires self-awareness and reflection on one's moral choices and the impact of those choices on others and society.
15) Defilement:
Defilement in the context of confession surfaces as a theme of guilt and moral contamination. Acknowledging one's faults often leads to a deeper understanding of innocence that exists beyond the act of wrongdoing.
16) Experience:
Experience shapes the confessional act, where lived realities and past transgressions inform the individual's narrative and desire for truth and absolution.
17) Knowledge:
Knowledge acquired through confession involves insights about one's self and the societal structures influencing moral interpretations. This shared knowledge between confessor and listener fosters a transformative dialogue.
18) Salvation:
Salvation is often sought through confession, as individuals aim to resolve their guilt and return to a state of innocence, thus establishing a relationship between sin, redemption, and ethical identity.
19) Dimension:
The dimension of confession encompasses historical, sociological, and philosophical perspectives, revealing the multifaceted nature of guilt, truth, and personal transformation across time and cultures.
20) Stability:
The stability of a confession is crucial for its credibility, establishing a foundation for truth that can endure scrutiny and reflect the confessor’s integrity within the moral landscape.
21) Illusion:
The perception of confession as a simple act is an illusion, as it encompasses complex layers of coercion, trust, and the intricate interplay of truth and deception.
22) Unstable:
Confessions are inherently unstable; they can shift and transform based on context and power dynamics, rendering them fragile artifacts within the pursuit of truth.
23) Dialogue:
Dialogue is essential to the confessional process, facilitating an exchange between the confessor and the listener that deepens understanding and empathy while navigating guilt and morality.
24) Torture:
Torture has historically been linked to confession, especially in religious contexts, where coercive techniques may compel individuals to confess, raising ethical questions about authenticity and reliability.
25) Gesture:
The gesture of confession symbolizes a deeper emotional and ethical act, representing an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a yearning for validation and forgiveness.
26) Thomas:
[see source text or glossary: Thomas]
27) Family:
Family dynamics are deeply intertwined with the act of confession, as familial relationships often form the backdrop against which notions of guilt, innocence, and moral obligation are explored.
28) Nature:
Nature and its laws serve as a foundational aspect governing the moral and ethical dimensions of confession, acting as a benchmark for determining right from wrong in human behavior.
29) Prison:
The metaphor of prison resonates within the context of confession, representing both physical confinement and the psychological entrapment of guilt and remorse that individuals face.
30) Desire:
Desire drives individuals to confess, either to seek absolution for their transgressions or to fulfill a need for social acceptance and integrity within their community.
31) Space:
The spatial dimension of confession involves the necessity of a designated space—physical or psychological—where the act of confession can occur, fostering an environment conducive to truth and understanding.
32) Agent:
The agent of confession is the individual whose voice and choices are essential to the authenticity of the act, representing a dynamic interaction between their subjective experience and the act of confession itself.
33) Soul:
The notion of the soul is vital in the discussion of confession, as it reflects the internal moral struggle of individuals confronting their sins and seeking redemption and clarity.
34) Hell:
Hell serves as a powerful symbol within the context of confession, embodying the ultimate consequences of sin and the desperate need for redemption and reconciliation with one's moral failings.
35) Book:
The book can symbolize the written record of confession, containing narratives of human experiences with guilt, morality, and the search for truth, thus serving as a historical archive of individual and collective confessions.
36) Hope:
Hope is a pivotal aspect of confession, acting as a motivator for individuals to confront their transgressions with the expectation of forgiveness and the restoration of social bonds.