Modernity’s reflexivity rests on cultural commitment and power, not pure reason

Evidence

Modernity is universalising not only in terms of its global impact, but in terms of the reflexive knowledge fundamental to its dynamic character. Is modernity distinctively Western in this respect? This question has to be answered affirmatively, although with certain definite qualifications. The radical turn from tradition intrinsic to modernity’s reflexivity makes a break, not only with preceding eras, but with other cultures. Since reason proves unable to provide an ultimate justification of itself, there is no point pretending that this break does not rest on cultural commitment (and power). — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 407

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s framework: the detachment from tradition that lets Stevens enclose himself inside the Darlington institution mirrors this reflexive break, which Giddens admits rests on cultural commitment rather than self-justifying reason. — connects to: Modernity’s reflexivity makes its own rational grounds ultimately puzzling — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 124; Modernity is defined by wholesale reflexivity, not merely love of the new. — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 99; Modernity’s reflexivity subverts reason’s claim to certitude. — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 100 (+6 more)

Related

• Modernity’s reflexivity subverts reason’s claim to certitude. (similarity 0.88)
• Modernity’s reflexivity makes its own rational grounds ultimately puzzling (similarity 0.88)
• Modernity is defined by wholesale reflexivity, not merely love of the new. (similarity 0.88)
• Contemporary transformations are modernity’s self-radicalization, not its ending (similarity 0.83)
• Modernity’s core is an irreducible enigma that cannot be overcome (similarity 0.83)
• Modernity consists in the destabilization of the subject, not mere progress (similarity 0.83)
• In modernity tradition is justified only by knowledge not derived from tradition. (similarity 0.82)
• Modernity institutionalises doubt, making all knowledge claims inherently circular (similarity 0.79)
• New social knowledge alters the social world rather than merely describing it (similarity 0.79)
• Modernity is best understood as compulsive, self-propelling modernization, not a completed state (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• Modernity’s reflexivity subverts reason’s claim to certitude. #expands (0.75) — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 100
• Modernity’s reflexivity makes its own rational grounds ultimately puzzling #expands (0.70) — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 124
• Power cannot self-realize but depends on societal-structural conditions for legitimacy #corroborates (0.65)
• Modernity is defined by wholesale reflexivity, not merely love of the new. #corroborates (0.60) — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 99
• Cultural domination has real effects without being all-powerful or all-inclusive #expands (0.50)