Even academic experts cannot produce a workable definition of fundamentalism
Evidence
Since 1991, in a massive five-volume study, by a group under its aegis, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has been publishing its findings on “fundamentalism.” My suspicion is that the project itself was started precisely with Islam in mind, although Judaism and Christianity are in fact discussed. Numerous distinguished academics were involved, with two general editors, Martin E. Marty and R. Scott Appleby, in charge. The net result is a compendium of often interesting papers, but, according to a perspicacious review of the series by Ian Lustick, no workable definition of fundamentalism emerges; on the contrary, Lustick adds, the editors and contributors “end up somewhat desperately suggesting that ‘fundamentalism’ [should] not be defined.” Thus, if specialists in the subject are unable to define it, no wonder then that a host of polemicists — spurred onward by zeal and a hostility to all things Muslim — do a good deal less well. — Edward W. Said, Covering Islam, 15
Categorization
- QUESTION: The foundational Marty/Appleby fundamentalism project on Islam is worth investigating independently.