Few things seem as serious as matters of religion and spirituality. However, some traditional religions such as Buddhism, as well as some contemporary varieties of alternative spirituality, seem to contain irreducible elements of irony and play. What is the role of ironic speech and action in spirituality? What moral, epistemic and spiritual functions, if any, could it fulfil? And what is irony, anyway? <br>
In this seminar, we will investigate these questions with continual reference to several historical figures. We will examine Schlegel’s view of irony as an “intimation of the absolute”, Kierkegaard’s conception of irony as “infinite absolute negativity” and Rorty’s pragmatic considerations on the possibility of ironic religion. We may also look at some discussions of the role of irony in Chan Buddhism and contemporary theories of metamodern spirituality. <br>
Besides weekly readings, the course will include a few creative assignments. <br>
Last update: Lalák Adam, MA, M.Phil. (12.02.2026)
