The Modern Age
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The Modern Age
James V. Schall's The Modern Age offers a bracing, if at times relentlessly critical, dissection of contemporary intellectual life. His strength lies in his ability to identify and articulate the often-unexamined assumptions underlying prevailing ideologies. For instance, his critique of the modern concept of 'progress' as a purely technological or material advancement, divorced from moral or spiritual considerations, is particularly sharp. However, the book's consistent critical tone can sometimes feel like an extended polemic, leaving less room for nuanced exploration of alternative perspectives or potential positive developments within modernity. A passage discussing the 'secularization of the public square' clearly illustrates his concern that reason is being supplanted by unexamined, often irrational, beliefs. Schall's work is a valuable, albeit challenging, read for anyone seeking a robust defense of perennial philosophy against the currents of the 21st century.
📝 Description
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### What It Is
The Modern Age is James V. Schall's examination of contemporary thought and its philosophical underpinnings. Published in 2010, the work critiques prevailing intellectual currents, questioning assumptions that shape modern discourse. Schall approaches these topics with a keen eye for the underlying logic, or lack thereof, in prevalent ideologies. The book is not a historical survey but a critical engagement with the ideas currently in circulation, urging readers to consider their origins and implications.
### Who It's For
This book is for the intellectually curious individual who seeks to understand the philosophical landscape of the 21st century. It will appeal to readers interested in critiques of secularism, modernity, and post-modern thought. Those who appreciate rigorous argumentation and a defense of traditional philosophical perspectives will find Schall's work particularly engaging. It is suitable for advanced students of philosophy, theology, and social sciences, as well as general readers who wish to sharpen their critical thinking skills.
### Historical Context
The book emerges from a post-millennial intellectual climate, building upon decades of philosophical debate that began in earnest in the mid-20th century. Schall's work engages with thinkers who reacted against the perceived excesses of existentialism and structuralism. His critical stance aligns with a broader conservative philosophical tradition that emphasizes reason, tradition, and the perennial truths of human existence. The early 21st century saw continued discourse on the crisis of meaning and the role of religion in public life, contexts within which this book intervenes.
### Key Concepts
Schall explores the concept of 'ideology' as a pervasive force shaping modern perceptions, often replacing reasoned inquiry with dogma. He scrutinizes the notion of 'progress' as it is commonly understood, questioning whether technological advancement necessarily equates to human betterment. The book also addresses the impact of 'relativism' on truth and ethics, arguing for the necessity of objective moral standards. Finally, Schall discusses the role of 'reason' in understanding reality, contrasting it with subjective experience or emotional appeals that often dominate contemporary discourse.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand Schall's critique of the modern concept of 'progress,' learning to question assumptions about societal advancement beyond mere technological or material gains, as discussed in the book's examination of 21st-century ideologies. • Gain insight into Schall's argument regarding the dangers of 'relativism' in contemporary ethics and truth claims, recognizing how this philosophical stance can erode objective moral standards and the pursuit of truth. • Appreciate Schall's defense of the role of 'reason' in understanding reality, distinguishing it from subjective experience or emotional appeals, a key theme that contrasts with prevalent trends in modern discourse.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What philosophical tradition does James V. Schall's The Modern Age engage with?
Schall's work engages with and critiques contemporary philosophical trends from the perspective of perennial philosophy and a robust defense of Aristotelian-Thomistic thought, questioning secular ideologies that emerged prominently in the 20th century.
When was The Modern Age first published and what was the intellectual climate like?
First published in 2010, the book emerged into an intellectual climate shaped by ongoing debates on secularism, postmodernism, and the perceived crisis of meaning following the late 20th century.
Does The Modern Age offer solutions or primarily critique?
The book's primary focus is a critique of prevailing modern and postmodern thought, identifying philosophical weaknesses and ideological assumptions rather than offering prescriptive solutions.
What is Schall's view on the concept of 'ideology' in modern society?
Schall views 'ideology' as a significant force in the modern age, often replacing reasoned inquiry with unexamined, dogmatic beliefs that shape perception and discourse, hindering a clear understanding of reality.
Is The Modern Age suitable for beginners in philosophy?
While accessible to dedicated general readers, the book's rigorous argumentation and engagement with complex philosophical concepts make it particularly suited for those with some background in philosophy or theology.
How does Schall approach the idea of 'progress' in the book?
Schall critically examines the modern concept of 'progress,' questioning whether advancements in technology or material wealth necessarily equate to genuine human betterment or moral improvement.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Critique of Secular Ideologies
Schall systematically dissects the philosophical assumptions underpinning many prevalent secular ideologies of the 21st century. He argues that these frameworks, while often presented as neutral or objective, frequently rely on unexamined premises and can lead to intellectual and moral incoherence. The work explores how concepts like radical autonomy and the rejection of objective truth create vacuums that are then filled by substitute dogmas, often disguised as progress or liberation. Schall urges a return to more robust philosophical traditions capable of withstanding such ideological pressures.
The Concept of Progress
A central theme is the re-evaluation of the modern notion of 'progress.' Schall questions the automatic equation of technological advancement, material wealth, or societal change with genuine human betterment. He posits that true progress must involve moral and spiritual dimensions, which are often neglected or actively rejected in contemporary discourse. The book examines how this narrow definition of progress can lead societies astray, prioritizing superficial changes over deeper, more meaningful human development and understanding.
The Role of Reason and Truth
Schall defends the enduring importance of reason and objective truth against the tide of relativism and subjective experience that he perceives as dominant in the modern age. He argues that without a commitment to knowable truths and the rigorous application of reason, human understanding and societal order are fundamentally undermined. The work emphasizes that reason, properly understood, is not antithetical to faith or tradition but is essential for authentic inquiry into the nature of reality and the human condition.
Perennial Philosophy vs. Modernity
The Modern Age implicitly and explicitly contrasts contemporary intellectual trends with the principles of perennial philosophy. Schall champions the wisdom found in classical and medieval thought, suggesting it offers a more stable and coherent framework for understanding life than many modern philosophical systems. He highlights how perennial philosophy addresses fundamental questions of human existence, purpose, and morality with a depth and consistency often lacking in contemporary discourse, advocating for its continued relevance.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“The essence of ideology is that it pretends to be the whole truth.”
— This statement highlights Schall's view that ideologies often present themselves as complete explanations of reality, shutting down further inquiry and critical thought. They claim a monopoly on truth, which prevents genuine intellectual exploration.
“We are asked to believe in progress without knowing what it is we are progressing towards.”
— This paraphrase captures Schall's skepticism about the unexamined modern belief in progress. He suggests that without a clear, morally grounded end goal, the pursuit of 'progress' becomes directionless and potentially harmful.
“Relativism is the philosophy of those who are afraid to be wrong.”
— This interpretation points to Schall's critique of relativism, suggesting it stems not from intellectual humility but from a fear of commitment to any truth that could be proven false, thus avoiding accountability.
“The modern mind often seeks to escape the burden of being human.”
— This concept suggests that many modern philosophical and cultural trends are attempts to avoid the inherent responsibilities and existential realities of the human condition, such as mortality, freedom, and the need for meaning.
“To abandon objective truth is to abandon the very possibility of meaningful discourse.”
— This paraphrased idea underscores Schall's argument that a shared foundation of objective truth is necessary for any coherent communication or philosophical debate to occur.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not explicitly part of a specific esoteric lineage like Hermeticism or Kabbalah, Schall's work draws heavily from perennial philosophy, which posits an underlying unity in the wisdom traditions of various cultures and religions. His defense of reason and natural law aligns with older metaphysical frameworks that informed many historical esoteric schools. He operates within a tradition that seeks universal truths, often found in classical philosophy and theology, which predates and underpins many later esoteric developments. His critique of modernity is a defense of these foundational metaphysical principles.
Symbolism
The book does not heavily rely on overt esoteric symbolism. However, the 'modern age' itself can be viewed as a symbolic state of being, representing a departure from older, more integrated modes of thought and existence. The concepts of 'reason' and 'truth' function symbolically, representing anchors to a stable reality that Schall believes are being eroded. His critiques of 'ideology' and 'relativism' symbolize the forces of fragmentation and obfuscation that obscure these fundamental anchors.
Modern Relevance
Schall's critique of secular ideologies and the concept of progress finds resonance with contemporary thinkers concerned about the philosophical underpinnings of Western society. Movements advocating for a return to virtue ethics, natural law, or traditional metaphysics often cite his work or similar arguments. Thinkers within Catholic integralism and certain strands of traditionalist philosophy engage with his ideas. His emphasis on the dangers of relativism is also a recurring theme in discussions about the challenges facing liberal democracies and the search for shared values in a pluralistic world.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of philosophy and theology seeking a rigorous critique of contemporary secular thought and a defense of perennial philosophical principles. • Intellectuals and engaged citizens concerned about the philosophical underpinnings of modern society, particularly its concepts of progress and truth. • Readers interested in conservative intellectual traditions and philosophical defenses of reason, objective morality, and metaphysical coherence.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 2010, James V. Schall's The Modern Age emerged at a time when philosophical discourse was deeply divided. The preceding decades had seen the rise and influence of postmodernism, deconstruction, and various forms of continental philosophy, often challenging traditional notions of truth, reason, and metaphysics. Schall’s work can be seen as a direct engagement with these currents, offering a defense of perennial philosophy and classical modes of thought. His critique aligns with a broader conservative intellectual tradition that reacted against the perceived nihilism and subjectivism prevalent in academic circles, exemplified by thinkers like Alasdair MacIntyre who also sought to revive Aristotelian ethics. The book intervenes in ongoing debates about secularism and the crisis of meaning that had been a concern since at least the mid-20th century, following thinkers like Jacques Maritain who also championed perennial wisdom against modern relativistic trends.
📔 Journal Prompts
The modern concept of 'progress' as examined by Schall.
Schall's critique of 'ideology' as a substitute for truth.
Reflections on the erosion of 'reason' in contemporary discourse.
The implications of 'relativism' for ethical decision-making.
The perennial philosophical alternatives to modern thought.
🗂️ Glossary
Perennial Philosophy
The philosophical concept that there exists a common core of wisdom and metaphysical understanding across diverse religious and cultural traditions, often contrasted with the fragmented nature of modern thought.
Ideology
In Schall's context, a system of beliefs, often unexamined or dogmatic, that shapes perception and discourse, frequently presented as the complete truth and used to control or influence thought.
Relativism
The philosophical stance that truth, knowledge, and morality are not absolute but are dependent on individual perspectives, cultural contexts, or historical periods, leading to a rejection of objective standards.
Secularism
The principle of separating religious institutions from civil government and public life, which Schall often critiques when it leads to the exclusion of transcendent or metaphysical considerations from public discourse.
Reason
The capacity for consciously making sense of things, establishing and verifying facts, and justifying the beliefs that guide actions. Schall defends its objective capacity against subjective or emotional appeals.
Natural Law
A body of law and morality that is considered inherent in human nature and discoverable by reason, independent of human-made laws or divine revelation, forming a basis for objective ethics.
Metaphysics
The branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, substance and attribute, and potentiality and actuality.
