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Genealogies of the West presents a new look at the West by tracing the still-recognizable footprints of the past and reflecting on the present challenges it faces. Through a review of its rich and often controversial history, it recalls the genealogies of the plural processes, ideas, characters, and events that structure the West’s tradition and identity, and their presence nowadays. It shows the faces of the Modernity and its most relevant achievements—such as the state, capitalism, science, technology, ideologies, and enlightenments—and how they are being revised nowadays by postmodernity. This helps readers gain perspective, gives clues for understanding the complexities of the past, challenges some pre-assumed historical inaccuracies, identifies its weight and presence in the present, and projects these thoughts toward the future.
“Genealogies of the West is a lucid and timely analysis of the positive core values that have given the West its unique identity, especially those that have made it an exceptionally innovative, introspective, and self-critical civilization. As much of an unflinching rebuttal of triumphalist Western narratives and attitudes as it is of shortcomings that threaten to unmake the West from within, this daring book packs a welcome punch. Reminiscent of Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age, Aurell’s book offers a serious challenge to all reductionist discourse in the public sphere”—Carlos Eire, University of Yale, USA.
List of Figures; Acknowledgments; Introduction; CHAPTER 1 Jerusalem; CHAPTER 2 Athens; CHAPTER 3 Rome; CHAPTER 4 Christianity; CHAPTER 5 Clash; CHAPTER 6 Expansion; CHAPTER 7 Shift; CHAPTER 8 Exuberance; CHAPTER 9 Modernity; CHAPTER 10 State; CHAPTER 11 Capitalism; CHAPTER 12 Science; CHAPTER 13 Reforms; CHAPTER 14 Enlightenments; CHAPTER 15 Ideologies; CHAPTER 16 Crisis; CHAPTER 17 Liberations; CHAPTER 18 Challenges; Epilogue; Suggested Bibliography; Detailed Table of Contents; Index