PODCAST:Past Present Future
TITLE:The End of Enlightenment
DATE:2024-01-25 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In the "Past Present Future" podcast episode titled "The End of Enlightenment," host David Runciman speaks with historian Richard Watmore and political theorist Leia Ip about Watmore's book, "End of Enlightenment." The discussion revolves around the Enlightenment period, its initial hopes and aspirations, and the eventual disillusionment that occurred by the end of the 18th century.
The Enlightenment, characterized by a pursuit of knowledge, reason, and the overcoming of superstition and religious dogma, faced significant challenges in its later stages. Watmore and Ip discuss two main opposing forces: superstition, representing false belief, and enthusiasm, which was initially seen as a positive attribute but later associated with fanaticism. The podcast highlights the struggle between these forces and the impact of external factors such as wars and political upheavals on the Enlightenment ideals.
A significant focus of the conversation is on the impact of mercantilism and the rise of commercial societies, which Watmore argues compromised Enlightenment values. This was evident in Britain's imperialistic endeavors and the mercantile system, which fostered a form of commercial fanaticism. The Enlightenment thinkers like David Hume initially viewed Britain's growth skeptically, fearing it could lead to political instability due to its excessive wealth and expansionist policies. These concerns echo in today's discourse about the United States, drawing parallels between 18th-century Britain and contemporary America in terms of political and economic challenges.
Another aspect discussed is the impact of the French Revolution on Enlightenment thought. The French Revolution, seen as a response to and an attempt to create an alternative form of liberty compared to Britain, had significant implications for the Enlightenment. The revolution's initial promise turned to disillusionment as it descended into terror, leading to a reevaluation of Enlightenment principles.
Leia Ip adds another dimension to the discussion by contrasting the German Enlightenment thinkers' perspectives, who were more optimistic about the potential for political institutions to overcome the limitations of commercial society. This optimism, however, was not universal and faced challenges from the rise of romanticism and alternative political ideologies.
The podcast ends with reflections on the American Revolution, its role as a model of a new kind of liberal order, and its contrast to the French Revolution. However, contemporary America is also seen as echoing late 18th-century Britain's problems, showing how historical patterns can repeat themselves.
Overall, the episode "The End of Enlightenment" provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and contradictions faced by the Enlightenment, examining its ideals, failures, and legacy through a historical lens. The discussion highlights the complexities of political, economic, and philosophical thought during a transformative period in history and draws parallels to contemporary global issues.
