From the Origin of Western Modernity

Kristian Keto, The Nordic Sociological Association Norway, History of Education Society UK

Scientia scientiarum, the nature of scientific theories, gave no explanation nor prediction in the second half of the 19th century. Neither statistical laws of H.T. Buckle, social physics of Auguste Comte, nor contemporary political theories concerning freedom were apposite to knowledge in reforms like individual rights vs coercion of the state, consequences of universal suffrage, and educational reforms. Nordic philosophers shared German idealism tradition - Immanuel Kant, G.W.F. Hegel - and were well acquainted with Greece philosophy. Norwegian M.J. Monrad emphasized philosophical heritage from the East, and Finnish T. Rein contributed to contemporary scientific theories. Swedish philosopher C.J. Boström while Christian differed in his interpretation of Christianity from the view of the Lutheran Church. Modern materialism culminated in L. Büchner’s book Force and Matter 1855. It was a necessary condition but not explaining or prescribing societal change. This was a shift from classical education to natural sciences, and, from the Ethical aspect, a choice between Aristotelian view of habitually acting vs acting for the sake of duty, a view notably by Kant. Modernity called “false liberalism” by M.J. Monrad could not exclude eastern elements originated from India and Persia, e.g. Gnosticism. Revolutionary slogan Liberty, Equality, Fraternity instead of Hegel’s the Right could now with naturalistic view of man result in panem et circenses. Karl Marx and Mikhail Bakunin spread new ideas in continental Europe, Great Britain, Russia and beyond. C.J. Boström’s philosophy channeled Swedish parliamentary reform in 1866. In Norway the question of suffrage became a central political issue in 1870s and in Finland in 1880s. At the same time, universal military service in almost all European countries was implemented. Eastern idea was to assimilate yourself with the One. Did that divine perspective incarnate in Nordic “people’s home”? Some aspects to modernity from Nordic political debate in the 19th century.

No extended abstract or paper available

 Presented in Session 7. Intellectual Histories and Theoretical Trajectories