Bolest modernog doba
The Malaise of Modernity

Author(s): Charles Taylor
Contributor(s): Đorđe Tomić (Translator)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Political Theory, Contemporary Philosophy
Published by: Beogradski krug
Keywords: self-fullfilment; freedom; authenticity; social atomism; recognition; individualism; Instrumental reason; fragmentation
Summary/Abstract: In this book Taylor observes the conservative-liberal debate in America from an outsider’s position. His concerns are threefold. First, radical individualism has disavowed most moral absolutes, eroded the meaningfulness of life, and resulted in a centripetal self-orientation that denigrates relational connectiveness. Secondly, Taylor is concerned that modern thought has become dominated by a reason that finds the highest good in the economic maximizing of ends. This »instrumental reason« demeans others as mere means to an end, disregards important perspectives that are not integral to the cost/benefit equation, and creates a technological supremacy that may cost us our humanity. Thirdly, Taylor is concerned that institutions have embraced instrumental reason as supreme and creating a power-base that may stand in the way of reform.

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