The Crisis of Modern Society

Cardan, Paul (Cornelius Castoriadis)

Publisher:  Solidarity (London)
Year Published:  1967   First Published:  1967
Pages:  14pp  
Resource Type:  Article/Report/Letter
Cx Number:  CX5609

Based on a talk given by Paul Cardan at Kent in 1965, "Crisis" elucidates upon the several endemic problems of modern societies, touching on the sciences, education, and the organization of work.

Abstract:  In an age of unparalleled opulence, social dissatisfaction is greater than ever. Unlike every other historical epoch, cohesive answers as to the meaning of life - as well as the struggles inherent to attaining it - are completely absent from modern society. And while consumerism asserts itself as a natural successor to the all-cohesive myth of religion, in reality it is at best a "partial and unsatisfactory answer." In terms of work, the Industrial Revolution has witnessed the near-total destruction of the complex relationship between worker and work (eg. artisan/craft, farmer/field, etc.) With little to offer by way of programme, politics has become "indistinguishable from any other form of advertising or sale of product," leading to profound alienation on the part of the electorate.

Subject Headings

• Capitalism
• Education
• Politics
• Science
• Society
• Work