A Discussion of Three Theoretical Approaches to Modernity: Understanding Modernity as a Globalising Phenomenon

Abstract

The paper compares the potential of three theories of modernity for explaining the current Islamist revival as an element of modernising Muslim societies. The theories discussed are rationalist fundamentalism as represented by Ernest Gellner, what may be called Muslim fundamentalism as represented by Akbar Ahmed, and a relativist approach as represented by Anthony Giddens.