The Ethos of the Enlightenment and the Discontents of Modernity

This book explores the origins and nature of the "discontents of modernity" and proposes a new approach to the philosophic-critical discourse on modernity. It identifies a unitive element of the Enlightenment and examines the interrelationships between critical thought and modernity, based on a distinction between criticism and negation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Enlightenment, widely acknowledged as the pivotal epoch of modernity, has undergone diverse historical expressions, rendering it a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Despite its reliance on reason as the ultimate source of its authority and legitimacy, the Enlightenment has manifested in various forms throughout history, making it challenging to describe it as a unified phenomenon. The present work endeavors to uncover a unifying element that enables us to speak of the Enlightenment. To achieve this, it engages with the concept of 'ethos' and its relationship to the 'discontents of modernity.

This book presents a novel theoretical framework for exploring the intricate interplay between 'critical thought' and 'modernity.' Building upon a fundamental distinction between criticism and negation, this framework offers a fresh perspective on understanding the complex dynamics between these two influential forces. It will appeal to scholars and students engaged in the study of critical theory, the history of ideas, philosophy, the sociology of knowledge, and political science.

The Enlightenment, characterized by its emphasis on reason, individualism, and progress, emerged as a response to the challenges and complexities of the 17th and 18th centuries. It sought to transform the way people perceived the world and to address the social, political, and intellectual problems of the time. However, the Enlightenment was not without its critics, who argued that it perpetuated harmful biases, such as racism, sexism, and classism, and that it ignored the deeper social and cultural structures that shaped human behavior.

One of the central themes of this book is the relationship between 'ethos' and the 'discontents of modernity.' Ethos refers to the moral and ethical principles that guide individuals and societies. In the context of the Enlightenment, ethos played a crucial role in shaping the development of critical thought and modernity. On the one hand, the Enlightenment emphasized the importance of reason and individualism, which led to the development of new ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. On the other hand, the Enlightenment also recognized the need for ethical and moral principles to guide human behavior and to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge and progress did not come at the expense of human well-being.

The book proposes a new approach to the philosophic-critical discourse on modernity. It argues that the traditional dichotomy between criticism and negation is insufficient to understand the complex interrelationships between critical thought and modernity. Instead, the book proposes a framework that emphasizes the constructive and transformative aspects of critical thought while also recognizing the potential risks and limitations of modernity. The framework seeks to balance the need for critical inquiry and the preservation of traditional values and institutions.

The book also explores the historical manifestations of the Enlightenment and its impact on various aspects of society, including politics, philosophy, literature, and art. It examines the ways in which the Enlightenment influenced the development of democratic societies, the rise.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to the study of the Enlightenment and its relationship to the 'discontents of modernity.' It provides a new theoretical framework for understanding the complex interrelationships between critical thought and modernity, and it offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of critical theory and modernity.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367026417