Religion in the Thought of Byung-Chul Han

Abstract

In Byung-Chul Han's work there is an important presence of religious elements that intertwine with the core concepts of his philosophy. The aim of this study is to analyze and systematize Han's approach to religion and to see what role it plays in his thought as a whole. This approach is articulated around two main stages: a first one marked by the criticism of the onto-theological metaphysics of Western thought of Christian tradition, against which he proposes friendliness as an alternative, inspired by the Buddhist tradition; and a second one marked by the criticism of the current neoliberal society and its false religions, against which he opposes contemplative practices, often directly inspired by the Christian tradition.