Single Idea 15045

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / C. History of Philosophy / 4. Later European Philosophy / c. Eighteenth century philosophy]

Full Idea

I think the central issue of philosophy and critical thought since the eighteenth century has always been, still is, and will, I hope, remain the question: What is this Reason that we use? What are its historical effects? What are its limits and dangers?

Gist of Idea

The big issue since the eighteenth century has been: what is Reason? Its effect, limits and dangers?

Source

Michel Foucault (Space, Knowledge and Power (interview) [1982], p.358)

Book Reference

Foucault,Michel: 'Essential Works 1954-1984 3: Power', ed/tr. Faubion,J [Penguin 2002], p.358


A Reaction

One can hardly deny the fairness of the question, but I hope that won't prevent us from trying to be rational. Maybe logicians do a better job of clarifying reason than the political and historical speculations of Foucault?