Do you think the Enlightment has done more damage than most suspect and if so...?

Question

Do you think postmodernism has its advantages?

Why or why not?

Answer 1

I think postmodernism has something to say. But like most points of veiw, it becomes problematic itself if taken too far.

Rationalism itself is difficult to criticize. As a philosophy, it is probably one of the most effective ones at producing desired results (which, if you ask me, is the best way to measure philosophies). But if you look at it historically, it has a tendancy to go too far.

Many rationalists became so convinced in the power of reason that they began to stop believing in other things. They would lock themselves up in their attics and DECIDE how the world was without bothering to open their windows and see if their reason had any correlation to the actual world outside. And while I'm sure this is a nice mental exercise, it rather fails by the same measure I used above - sometimes the universe is NOT reasonable.

And here's where postmodernism comes in. Just as the rationalists rejected supernatural and didactic descriptions of the world, so too so postmodernists reject rational explanations... and instead of putting something equally erroneous in place, they just embrace the chaos or nothingness as part of what is. This may have the benefit in some circumstances of being closest to the truth of all.

It is certainly not so in ALL circumstances. But it is a good counterbalance those who would otherwise overreach. Overrationalism CAN be damaging, just like too much fertilizer will kill your plants. It doesn't mean we should abandon the use of either - just use them judiciously and be open to the alternatives.

Answer 2

I think Enlightment gave us the fundamental concepts of Democracy, and some of the greatest thinkers of all times, such as Kant and Hume. Postmodernism, on the other hand,, gave us a lot of pretentious non-sense. So, on the overall, let me think, yes, I guess, I prefer enlightment.
I have a feeling I am not going to get "best answer" fot this one..

Answer 3

The enlightenment is where man would have been in the 7th Century if the Roman Empire hadn't fell. One might suggest that the ancients were already their until the west was sold on the idea of monotheism. Enlightenment freed a species in bondage. The institutions of old keep trying to stuff us back into that bondage. Thankfully they are losing!

Answer 4

Never have I heard the Enlightenment called "damaging." If you would please explain I might be able to answer or refute.
"The "fathers of the constitution" were enlightened, outstanding among them B. Franklin, Th. Jefferson, J. Adams, A. Hamilton, and Th. Paine their foremost literary propagandist."
That quote is only one sentence of several large paragraphs on the Enlightenment found at:

Answer 5

religion has done more damage to common sense and reason than can ever be undone.

Answer 6

No, I never think of that, actually enlightenment has done more good.....

Answer 7

No, the Enlightenment was cool...I think...