Then & Now: Philosophy, History & Politics What Makes Us Modern
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Oct 19, 2021 Exploring the concept of modernity and the impact of Enlightenment philosophers in shaping the modern world. Discussing the separation of time and space through clocks and maps. Exploring the role of technology in depersonalizing interactions and shaping modern attitudes. Discussing the importance of trust and specialized knowledge in modern life. Exploring the promises of modernity and the potential shift to a post-modern era.
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Modernity Defined by Rational Control
- Modernity is defined by an attitude of rational understanding and control of the world.
- Enlightenment philosophers emphasized ordering and making the world predictable and usable.
Separation of Time and Space
- Modern inventions like clocks and maps separate time from space, making both abstract and standardized.
- This separation enables precise communication and planning beyond immediate local contexts.
Objective Mapping Emerges
- Standard maps with grids and coordinates emerged during the Enlightenment to fix locations objectively.
- This allowed for precise measurements essential for navigation, military planning, and global understanding.