What
is it that makes modern political philosophy modern? Equally important: how and
when did this shift occur? Did it happen gradually, or was it sudden and
poignant, like the flash of light that takes the hiker by surprise as he
stumbles out of the undergrowth and into the open field.
In order to explain what is ‘modern’ about the modern political philosopher it is wise to start by looking at where he came from. We have to delve into the metaphorical undergrowth and explore the tracks. We need not go far. In 1517 Martin Luther unleashed the Reformation by pinning his 95 theses onto the door of the All Saints’ Church at Wittenberg. The following age was principally concerned with the awesome resonation of that act. Through study and prayer both Catholics and Protestants sought to corroborate their faith. Although initially their endeavours to educate themselves were meant as a means to arm themselves against each other, the 17th century saw the rise of a much bigger foe: science.
The religious certainties that both Protestantism and Catholicism offered were wildly incompatible with those posited by science. The Enlightenment (1697-1789) formed the answer to this crisis. It had radical consequences for the modern political philosopher. It freed thought from its prison of tradition and ethics. The modern political philosopher does not take any authority or customs for granted. He liberates his imagination and draws insight from eclectic disciplines as science, literature and religion. All the while he is constantly starting from scratch, using as a guide only what he finds within himself: his reason and his own moral code.
In order to explain what is ‘modern’ about the modern political philosopher it is wise to start by looking at where he came from. We have to delve into the metaphorical undergrowth and explore the tracks. We need not go far. In 1517 Martin Luther unleashed the Reformation by pinning his 95 theses onto the door of the All Saints’ Church at Wittenberg. The following age was principally concerned with the awesome resonation of that act. Through study and prayer both Catholics and Protestants sought to corroborate their faith. Although initially their endeavours to educate themselves were meant as a means to arm themselves against each other, the 17th century saw the rise of a much bigger foe: science.
The religious certainties that both Protestantism and Catholicism offered were wildly incompatible with those posited by science. The Enlightenment (1697-1789) formed the answer to this crisis. It had radical consequences for the modern political philosopher. It freed thought from its prison of tradition and ethics. The modern political philosopher does not take any authority or customs for granted. He liberates his imagination and draws insight from eclectic disciplines as science, literature and religion. All the while he is constantly starting from scratch, using as a guide only what he finds within himself: his reason and his own moral code.
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