Modernity is one of the most significant periods of the human history when crucial changes in peoples thinking happened. The philosophy of modernity has its particular features which are rather unique. It seems that some special factors which simultaneously had simultaneously appeared at that time shaped the base of modernity with further formulation of its sense. One of these factors is the impact of great philosophers of that time, such as Marx, Weber and Foucault. They made crucial contribution to modernity, their works are considered to be the riches of art. That is why it is important to conduct thorough analysis of their influence of modernity. We should try to formulate their main visions and find out the unique input of each one. To this end we need to pay attention to their definitions of modernity and focus on particular terms such as «the disenchantment of the world» articulated by Max Weber.
The well-known socio-philosopher Max Weber associated modernity with two interrelated terms such as disenchantment of the world and process of rationalization. For Weber these to concepts were rather central. An essential of Webers concept of disenchantment of the world was the rejection of the sacramental mediation of salvation. He studied the movements towards modernity. In practice the approach of Weber to the identification of disenchantment is based on belief that ad hoc maxims for life conduct were gradually displaced by the unified total system and particular values. He also viewed the disenchantment of the world as disempowerment of particular institutions. Weber believed that the problem of modernity is insufficient unique constellation of the cultural values.
He suggested that modernity replaced modernization transforming self-oriented humans into integrated personalities and occurrence of «the one broken whole». Also Weber suggested that rationalization was rather particular consequence influenced by deepening tension between modernization and modernity.
Marx related the period of modernity to the emergence of capitalism and revolution of the working class. According to him, these two steps led to huge expansion of productive forces and consequently to the creation of world market – basic component of the world of modernity. He suggested the theory of the development in the period of modernity giving the central role to the proletariat in order to make significant changes in the structure of the philosophy. He viewed modernity as the time for revolutions to happen.
Foucaults way of modernity defining has particular features, important to be understood. Of course a kind of ambiguity can be found in his works his research related to the modernity are worth the paid attention. His understanding of modernity is based on the specific concept. Foucault considered modernity as historical event believing that current state is rather transactional reality which relies on some conceptual principles. He mentioned a pastoral power which may be characterized as a kind of royal power, but with reciprocal meaning. Pastoral power relates to getting salvation by particular individual.
Foucault introduced to public the phenomenon of real power. It relies on the ignorance of its agents. This approach to power is based on biological features of the person to take decisions and formulate strategy. The concept of real power also can be found in works of Weber and is quite similar to his concept of the society structure. The term real power is aimed at finding connection between the power of individual and the power which is commonly accepted by society.
Foucault noticed that in the time of modernity the major power can be found on micro level, where single individuals or groups of individuals communicate with each other and thousands of such connections form the system of the society. According to him, families are the main components of influence on the structure of particular system. To conduct thorough analysis of the system, it is necessary to pay more attention to the process of human cooperation within the micro-environment.
It is also interesting to compare some opinions of Weber and Foucault. Their ideas are quite different, but at the same time rather similar instruments are used by these philosophers. Weber and Foucault conceptualized the power very differently. Whereas Weber presumed the power as a hierarchical occurrence, Foucault thought that power is rather state than action. Both of the authors equally treated the real power.
Weber and Foucault appear to have polar views about epistemological commitments. But the difference between two scholars is not so sharp speaking of chronology of reason and totalities which may reduce to a single law.
Conclusion
On the basis of research conducted we can make following conclusion. The time of modernity was rich in philosophic ideas and development of new approaches concerning the understanding of reality. Such great philosophers as Weber, Marx and Foucault have significantly contributed to the trials of better modernity understanding. Their approaches and definitions of the basic terms of modernity differed slightly but at the same time they can be considered as mutually connected. New terms were considered by these authors such as concept of real power and disenchantment of the world which are really important for further understanding of modernity.
References
M. Lee, C. Garoldson. The Bible of modernity. London: NTR, 2009.
Oleg Redkov, Tina Lindskaya. The greatest philosophers whose ideas made the world better. NYC: Education, 2013.
