In his book “Towards a Univoque World by Crossing the Rhine,” Thomas Bauer, a professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Münster, explores the modern trend towards a lack of tolerance for ambiguity, leading to an increasingly univocal world. Despite being outside his usual area of expertise, Bauer adopts a light critical approach in his essay, inviting readers to apply his reflections to other fields. He argues that while globalization celebrates diversity, a drying up of meaning, ambiguity, and diversity is taking place in all aspects of existence.
Bauer focuses on three main areas – arts, politics, and religion – and suggests that this trend towards univocity is giving rise to two opposing yet interconnected phenomena: fundamentalism and indifference. In the realm of religion, the modern drive towards the destruction of diversity has led to a widespread indifference towards faith in Western societies. Bauer also identifies fundamentalism in various monotheistic religions, characterized by an obsession with truth, a desire for purity, and a negation of history. These tendencies are mirrored in secularized forms in politics, such as totalitarian ideologies and the current rise of identity politics in Europe.
One contemporary trait Bauer discusses is the search for authenticity as a means of self-affirmation, often seen as an ideal. However, he points out that true diversity is increasingly only found in the colorful world of consumerism. While Bauer’s reflective agility is engaging, it can sometimes be a weakness, causing him to lose nuance in his exploration of culture, contemporary art, music, and transhumanism as the culmination of fundamentalist utopias. This may be a limitation of his analytical approach, which can be convincing in some aspects but lacking in depth in others.
Overall, Bauer’s book reflects on the modern world’s shift towards a univocal mindset, where ambiguity and diversity are eroding in favor of a more clear-cut, simplistic worldview. By examining the manifestations of this evolution in various fields, Bauer sheds light on the interconnected nature of fundamentalism and indifference across religion, politics, and society. His critique of the contemporary quest for authenticity and identity politics offers a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges facing our increasingly univocal world.
