Modernity Basic Readings (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Wang Min'an
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Modernity originated from the Renaissance and the Reformation in the 16th century and took form at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. It was a process of shedding superstition, ignorance, and despotism, as well as a pursuit of reason, science, and freedom, all marked by a spirit of progress and optimism. However, as we have seen, modernity, in the process of overcoming despotism, superstition, and ignorance, has continuously created new forms of these very things. Modern society, living within the tradition of modernity, is also plagued by this tradition. The halo of optimism and progress has now completely faded, and modernity has once again dragged the world into pessimism, skepticism, and fear. This book is a collection of essays on the key term "modernity," exploring the concept from various perspectives. It includes over 60 articles that have or are currently causing significant ripples in intellectual circles, covering most fields of contemporary social sciences. The arrangement aims to combine historical analysis with theoretical discussion, reflecting both an outline of the historical context and the debates among various scholars.