Reflexive modernization

Abstract

In the 1970s thinkers like Habermas, Offe, and O'Connor raised questions about the legitimacy of social order, especially about the ability of the capitalist state to reconcile the promotion of economic growth and social welfare. Habermas argued that cultural themes lose their genuine cultural character, and hence their reproducibility, once they are used by the state to legitimize social welfare policies. With the increasing number of administrative functions the state eventually depletes the cultural capital and, therefore, cannot any longer legitimize conflicting class claims.

Quantifying the scientific revolution

“…These results are in keeping with more qualitative modern assessments by historians of science (Rossi 2001;Wootton 2015). The relative decline of Italy is also visible from the early 17th century on, starting during Galileo's lifetime.…”

“…A similar attitude can be found in writings by Bacon, Descartes and Galileo (Rossi 2001;Wootton 2015). This is reflected in the titles of the scientific books of the time: Nova de universis philosophia (Patrizi, 1591), Novo theatro de machine (Zonca, 1607), Astronomia nova (Kepler, 1609), Discursi intorno a due nuove scienze (Galileo, 1638), De mundo nostro sublunari philosophia nova (Gilbert, 1651).…”