On Enlightenment

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Modern
Cover of the book On Enlightenment by David Stove, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Stove ISBN: 9781351502238
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: David Stove
ISBN: 9781351502238
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The idea of enlightenment entails liberty, equality, rationalism, secularism, and the connection between knowledge and well being. In spite of the setbacks of revolutionary violence, mass murder, and two world wars, the spread of enlightenment values is still the yardstick by which moral, political, and scientific advances are measured. In On Enlightenment, David Stove attacks the roots of enlightenment thought to define its successes, limitations, and areas of likely failures.

Stove champions the use of reason and recognizes the falsity of religious claims as well as the importance of individual liberty. He rejects the enlightenment's uncritical optimism regarding social progress and its willingness to embrace revolutionary change. What evidence is there that the elimination of superstition will lead to happiness? Or that it is possible to accept Darwinism without Social Darwinism? Or that the enlightenment's liberal, rationalistic outlook will lead to the social progress envisioned by its advocates?

Despite best intentions, says Stove, social reformers who attempt to improve the world inevitably make things worse. He advocates a conservative approach to change, pointing out that social structures are so large and complex that any widespread social reform will have innumerable unforeseen consequences. Writing in the tradition of Edmund Burke with the same passion for clarity and intellectual honesty as George Orwell, David Stove was one of the most articulate and insightful philosophers of his day.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The idea of enlightenment entails liberty, equality, rationalism, secularism, and the connection between knowledge and well being. In spite of the setbacks of revolutionary violence, mass murder, and two world wars, the spread of enlightenment values is still the yardstick by which moral, political, and scientific advances are measured. In On Enlightenment, David Stove attacks the roots of enlightenment thought to define its successes, limitations, and areas of likely failures.

Stove champions the use of reason and recognizes the falsity of religious claims as well as the importance of individual liberty. He rejects the enlightenment's uncritical optimism regarding social progress and its willingness to embrace revolutionary change. What evidence is there that the elimination of superstition will lead to happiness? Or that it is possible to accept Darwinism without Social Darwinism? Or that the enlightenment's liberal, rationalistic outlook will lead to the social progress envisioned by its advocates?

Despite best intentions, says Stove, social reformers who attempt to improve the world inevitably make things worse. He advocates a conservative approach to change, pointing out that social structures are so large and complex that any widespread social reform will have innumerable unforeseen consequences. Writing in the tradition of Edmund Burke with the same passion for clarity and intellectual honesty as George Orwell, David Stove was one of the most articulate and insightful philosophers of his day.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Complete Guide to Climate Change by David Stove
Cover of the book Autobiography and Imagination by David Stove
Cover of the book The Idea of Europe in British Travel Narratives, 1789-1914 by David Stove
Cover of the book Historical Tales and National Identity by David Stove
Cover of the book Gender And Crime In Modern Europe by David Stove
Cover of the book Childhood Citizenship, Governance and Policy by David Stove
Cover of the book Writing War in Britain and France, 1370-1854 by David Stove
Cover of the book Wrestling with the Angel by David Stove
Cover of the book Cut Down to Size by David Stove
Cover of the book Southern European Welfare States by David Stove
Cover of the book Restorative Justice, Self-interest and Responsible Citizenship by David Stove
Cover of the book Russia After Yeltsin by David Stove
Cover of the book Learner English on Computer by David Stove
Cover of the book The Political Economy of Privatization by David Stove
Cover of the book Internationalized State-Building after Violent Conflict by David Stove
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy