Understanding Modernity

Modernity is the only cultural system that has dominated the entire world. Although it initially spread throughout the world with the imposition of colonialism, it has outlived direct colonial rule. Interestingly, modernity has become even more entrenched after the colonial rule ended during the latter half of the twentieth century. French philosopher Jacques Derrida aptly described this strange situation, “Western thought … whose destiny is to extend its domains while the boundaries of the West are drawn back.”

Modernity has fundamentally shaped the lifeworld of the colonized nations. It profoundly altered the colonized nations’ political, economic, educational, and cultural institutions. The path towards their true liberation passes through an active deconstruction of modernity and its underlying discourses. It is almost impossible to build an alternative socio-political system without dismantling modernity at its ideological foundations.

The present course is an introduction to modernity and its philosophical presuppositions. It begins with identifying the roots of modernity in the Western intellectual tradition. Next, we will discuss significant figures in the history of modern philosophy. Finally, the course will familiarize students with the philosophical foundations of modernity, its deep connections with colonialism, and the role of Sikhi in creating an alternative world order. We will discuss topics such as the birth of philosophy, the rise of modern science and technology, capitalism and its critiques, consumer society, commercialization of love, decolonial thinking, religion and secularism etc. The students must attend all classes and submit the required coursework.