The Idea
The text indicates that Western modernity was also associated with giving priority to technical rationality and pragmatism. This means that modernity was not always a domain of free reflection or deep critique; rather, it carried a practical tendency that leans toward utility and effectiveness. It should therefore be viewed in a dual way: it contains epistemic possibilities, but also limitations that deserve attention.
Concise Formulation
Western modernity: elevated technical rationality and pragmatism
Its Place in the Book’s Argument
This claim serves the book’s broader argument because it prevents modernity from being turned into an innocent or complete ideal. When its technical rationality and pragmatism are mentioned, it becomes clear that the comparison with the West is not an act of admiration, but a critical examination of both it and the inherited tradition together. In this way, it is confirmed that the book’s aim is not fascination, but distinguishing between what can be drawn upon and what must be questioned.
Why It Matters
The importance of this claim lies in the way it balances the picture and prevents misunderstanding. The reader does not come away with the impression that Arkoun is calling for the replication of the West, but rather for understanding its modernity in both its strengths and shortcomings. This balance is essential for understanding his project, because it protects it from simplification and makes it a call for mutual critique rather than intellectual dependency.
Brief Evidence
The text indicates that Western modernity was also associated with giving priority to technical rationality and pragmatism. This means that modernity was not always a domain of free reflection or deep critique; rather, it carried a practical tendency that leans toward utility and effectiveness. It should therefore be viewed in a dual way: it contains epistemic possibilities, but also limitations that deserve attention.
Reading Questions
- How does mentioning technical rationality affect the image of modernity within the text?
- Is the discussion of pragmatism here an evaluation of modernity, or a warning about its limits?
Documentation Level
High: the claim appears in a clear location in the book’s material.