Following a format introduced in the Fall 2018 forum “Science and the soul: New inquiries into Islamic ethics,” this forum features eighteen essays discussing four recent books and the themes and topics emergent from them. The four books included in this discussion are Credulity by Emily Ogden (University of Chicago Press, 2018), The Resonance of Unseen Things by Susan Lepselter (University of Michigan Press, 2016), The Story of Radio Mind by Pamela Klassen (University of Chicago, 2018), and Magic’s Reason by Graham Jones (University of Chicago Press, 2017). Respondents to the books were asked to reflect on how these works challenge and correct the discursive and philosophical modes of investigation into secularity’s histories and manners of operation.

Begin by reading Courtney Bender’s introduction to the forum here. She provides an overview of the common themes, questions, narratives, and frames that emerge from the books and essays. Then, check back each week as a new book is featured with essays by the author and two other scholars. These essays will be followed with additional reflection essays from the book authors and a conclusion by Kathleen Stewart.