On Becoming God: Late Medieval Mysticism and the Modern Western Self by Ben Morgan – A Philosophical Study of Identity,

Introduction

In a world where the modern self is often understood as a solitary, isolated entity, Ben Morgan’s On Becoming God: Late Medieval Mysticism and the Modern Western Self offers a radical rethinking of human identity. This compelling work bridges centuries of thought, from the mystical practices of late medieval Germany to contemporary debates in phenomenology, gender studies, and neuroscience. For Indian readers and students of philosophy, religion, and cultural history, this book provides a fresh lens to examine how we become who we are—not alone, but together.

Book Overview

Ben Morgan challenges the dominant narrative that the modern Western self is a self-contained individual, cut off from others and from the divine. Instead, he argues that identity is a shared, dynamic process—a way of doing things with the concept of “God.” Drawing on the writings of Meister Eckhart and other late medieval mystics, Morgan shows how these thinkers managed impulses and experiences associated with the divine, not as private encounters, but as communal practices. The book reinterprets the history of the self by weaving together insights from Martin Heidegger, Simone de Beauvoir, Judith Butler, and contemporary neuroscience, offering a bold alternative to established theories by Michel Foucault and Charles Taylor.

Key Highlights

• Original Thesis: Proposes that the self is not a fixed entity but a collaborative activity—a way of managing the divine.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Blends medieval mysticism, phenomenology, gender studies, and neuroscience into a coherent argument.
• Critical Engagement: Challenges influential thinkers like Foucault and Taylor, offering a new path for understanding modernity.
• Historical Depth: Focuses on late medieval German mystics, especially Meister Eckhart, to uncover forgotten practices of identity.
• Contemporary Relevance: Applies medieval insights to modern questions about selfhood, community, and spirituality.

Inside the Book

The book is structured to guide readers from a critique of existing models of selfhood to a constructive alternative. Early chapters survey the works of Foucault and Taylor, highlighting their limitations. Morgan then turns to Meister Eckhart and his milieu, analyzing mystical texts that treat God not as a distant object but as a shared experience. Later chapters bring in phenomenology (Heidegger) to explore being-in-the-world, gender studies (Beauvoir and Butler) to examine how identity is performed, and neuroscience to ground these ideas in embodied reality. Each chapter builds toward a vision of the self as an ongoing, relational practice.

Key Topics

• Late Medieval Mysticism: Meister Eckhart’s sermons and the German mystical tradition.
• Modern Selfhood: Critiques of individualism and the isolated subject.
• Phenomenology: Heidegger’s concept of Dasein and being-with-others.
• Gender and Identity: Beauvoir’s and Butler’s theories of performativity.
• Neuroscience: Embodied cognition and the social brain.
• Philosophy of Religion: Rethinking God as a shared practice rather than a belief.

Reader Benefits

• Deepen Your Understanding: Gain a nuanced perspective on the history of Western identity.
• Bridge Disciplines: Connect medieval spirituality with modern philosophy and science.
• Challenge Assumptions: Question the idea of the self as isolated and autonomous.
• Practical Insights: Discover how communal practices shape who we are.
• Engage with Original Texts: Explore primary sources from Eckhart and his contemporaries.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate major theories of selfhood from Foucault and Taylor.
• Analyze late medieval mystical texts as models of shared identity.
• Apply phenomenological and gender theories to historical material.
• Synthesize insights from neuroscience with philosophical and religious traditions.
• Articulate an alternative vision of the self as a collaborative, dynamic process.

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for students and scholars of philosophy, religious studies, history, and cultural theory. It also appeals to readers interested in mysticism, the history of the self, and interdisciplinary approaches to human identity. Indian readers, especially those familiar with traditions that emphasize relational selfhood (like Advaita Vedanta or Bhakti), will find Morgan’s arguments both challenging and resonant. The book is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and anyone curious about how medieval ideas can illuminate modern life.

About the Author

Ben Morgan is a scholar of medieval and modern philosophy, with expertise in mysticism, phenomenology, and gender studies. He has taught at universities in the United Kingdom and the United States, and his research focuses on how historical texts can reshape contemporary debates about identity. Morgan’s work is known for its clarity, originality, and willingness to cross disciplinary boundaries.

About the Publisher

Fordham University Press is a prestigious academic publisher based in New York, known for its contributions to philosophy, theology, and the humanities. With a commitment to rigorous scholarship and accessible writing, the press has published works that shape conversations across disciplines. This hardcover edition reflects the high production standards expected by serious readers.

Conclusion

On Becoming God is not just a book about the past—it is a provocative invitation to rethink who we are today. By showing that the self is something we do together, Ben Morgan opens up new possibilities for community, spirituality, and identity. For Indian students and thinkers, this book offers a valuable dialogue between Eastern and Western traditions, reminding us that the journey toward becoming human is never a solitary one. Add this thought-provoking volume to your library and join the conversation about what it means to become a self.