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: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Enlightenment, widely acknowledged as the pivotal epoch of modernity, has undergone diverse historical expressions, rendering it a multifaceted phenomenon rather than a uniform phenomenon. The present work endeavors to discern a cohesive element that enables us to speak of the Enlightenment as a whole. 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, grounded in a fundamental distinction between criticism and negation. It will captivate 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 as the ultimate source of authority and legitimacy, has exerted a profound influence on the world. However, its manifestations have varied across different historical contexts, making it challenging to describe it as a homogeneous phenomenon. This book aims to identify a unifying thread that connects these diverse expressions of the Enlightenment.

To accomplish this, the work employs the concept of 'ethos, which refers to the moral character and values of a society or movement. By examining the relationship between 'ethos and the 'discontents of modernity, the book seeks to shed light on the underlying tensions and conflicts that characterize the modern world.

The Enlightenment was born out of a desire for intellectual and societal progress, driven by the pursuit of knowledge, reason, and individual freedom. However, as it unfolded, it encountered various challenges and criticisms, including the rise of nationalism, the exploitation of labor, and the erosion of traditional values. These 'discontents of modernity' have shaped the political, social, and cultural landscape of the modern world, and they continue to be a source of debate and discussion.

The book proposes a new theoretical framework for understanding the interrelationships between 'critical thought and 'modernity. It distinguishes between criticism, which involves the examination and evaluation of existing ideas and systems, and negation, which involves the outright rejection of everything that is not in line with one's own beliefs or values. By recognizing the distinction between these two approaches, the book offers a way to navigate the complexities of the modern world and find constructive ways to address the 'discontents of modernity.

The theoretical framework presented in this book is grounded in a critical realist approach, which emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and social context in understanding the world. It recognizes that modernity is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be reduced to a single narrative or ideology. Instead, it encompasses a wide range of social, economic, and cultural changes that have had profound impacts on individuals and societies around the world.

The book argues that the Enlightenment was a response to the 'discontents of modernity, particularly the desire for intellectual and societal progress. It posits that the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge provided a means to address the challenges and criticisms of the modern world. However, the book also acknowledges that the Enlightenment was not without its flaws and limitations. It was often associated with a hierarchical and elitist mindset, which marginalized the voices of marginalized groups and perpetuated social inequalities.

Furthermore, the book argues that the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and individualism can sometimes lead to a narrow and limited understanding of the world. It suggests that other forms of knowledge, such as intuition, emotion, and cultural traditions, are equally important in shaping our understanding of the world and that a more holistic and inclusive approach is necessary to address the 'discontents of modernity.

In conclusion, this book offers a new theoretical framework for understanding the interrelationships between 'critical thought and 'modernity. It distinguishes between criticism and negation, recognizes the importance of 'ethos in shaping the 'discontents of modernity, and proposes a critical realist approach to understanding the complexities of the modern world. By engaging with the 'discontents of modernity through the lens of the Enlightenment, the book aims to contribute to the ongoing debate about the future of critical thought and modernity in the 21st century.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032248462