Rethinking European Modernity: Reason, Power and Coloniality in Early Modern Thought

In his book Rethinking European Modernity. Reason, Power and Coloniality , Schelkshorn lays the foundation for a new philosophical interpretation of European modernity, which critically responds to intra-European debates (Critical Theory, Heidegger, Blumenberg, Frankfurt discourse theory, Civilization theory) on the one hand, and the critique of modernity by postcolonial philosophies in Latin America on the other hand. In the light of the metatheory of ‘de-limitations’ ( Entgrenzungen ), cultural upheavals triggered by the astronomical revolution and Europe's transoceanic expansion are reinterpreted in detailed studies of philosophies of the Renaissance and seventeenth century rationalist thought. From this perspective, European modernity appears as an amalgam of rational achievements, power syndromes and particular cultural dimensions. This forum examines several aspects of Schelkshorn's outstanding contribution, especially those related to modernity, coloniality, social theory and intercultural philosophy.