

What is (The) Enlightenment? In conversation with Jonathan Clark
12 snips Dec 3, 2024
In this engaging conversation, historian Jonathan Clark delves into the complexities of The Enlightenment. He critiques modern interpretations, suggesting they often misrepresent the era's sociability and practices. Clark explores the French Enlightenment's diverse thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot, emphasizing nuanced historical narratives. He also unpacks Kant’s essay on intellectual freedom, challenging common perceptions about authority's role during the period. The discussion ultimately reflects on the Enlightenment’s ideals of universality and democracy in today's context.
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Enlightenment: A Recent Term
- The Enlightenment wasn't a recognized entity in the 18th century, but rather a later construct.
- Despite increased literacy and scientific discovery, it wasn't conceptualized then.
Enlightenment as a Process, Not a Movement
- In the 18th century, individual enlightenment existed, but not a unified Enlightenment.
- "Enlightenment" meant acquiring information or solving problems, similar to "Aufklärung".
The Public Sphere and Its Limitations
- Habermas's idea of Enlightenment as a bourgeois public sphere is partially true.
- Coffee houses and salons fostered discussions, but impoliteness and arguments were common.