Juice15, 2/12

As the readings continue in this class I am starting to notice some of the major problems that have been discussed by Habermas. Many of his quotes are strong and almost deflating at the same time. “The idea of being ‘modern’ changed the belief, inspired by modern science, in the infinite progress of knowledge” (Habermas 99). This is almost looked at as being “God” in sense. While this is not really seen as a bad thing, bad things can occur from having this idea that everything and anything can be understood and accomplished through science and knowledge.

I feel that this ties into another quote by Habermas when he states that “The twentieth century has shattered this optimism” (Habermas 103). I don’t like to admit we are failing, but until a month ago I didn’t see that the problems that were bringing upon ourselves. Whether it is through politics or economics I feel that is where many of the problems have started. Systems fail and we are just looking for analgesia and anesthesia to fix the problems. With the progression of technology and globalization the world has evolved into a much different place, we now have the tools to destroy ourselves. As one example science invented the A-bomb and today’s scientists make it apparent they have found out many more and new ways to destroy the world. While science has done many good things for the world, it still holds the power to destroy it.

“The cult of the new” (Habermas 99). Today we want everything to be new because we believe it is better, just like we believe that faster is better. Phones get updated every few months, new medicines are new and improved and work better than the previous one. There seems to be something about that three letter word that is always in a bigger more colorful font that attracts people right too it. I find it interesting how something can keep getting better and better every so often. What worked a while ago most likely still works today, but with this calling towards infinite progress of knowledge what worked then is not good enough or fast enough for today’s society.