Neo-Cynicism of Peter Sloterdijk: a Revenge of the Enlightenment?

Abstract

In this article it is presented a reflection upon functions of the education in contemporary world in which predominate anti-Enlightenment tendencies. In this respect it is considered the personality of contemporary German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk who put forward an authentic philosophy that naturally continues the traditions of German Philosophy of life. In the article it is analyzed an evolution of scientific work of this philosopher, the influence of philosophy of the Frankfurt School on him. In accordance with the philosophy of Peter Sloterdijk contemporary mass consciousness in the West is characterized by universal diffusive cynicism that arose as a consequence of an unsuccessful Enlightenment. An opposition to diffusive cynicism is neo-cynicism in which humor and satire are used to unmask a mercenary and selfish nature with evil will that is hidden behind fine appearance of a humanist and an advocate of human rightsIn this article it is presented a reflection upon functions of the education in contemporary world in which predominate anti-Enlightenment tendencies. In this respect it is considered the personality of contemporary German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk who put forward an authentic philosophy that naturally continues the traditions of German Philosophy of life. In the article it is analyzed an evolution of scientific work of this philosopher, the influence of philosophy of the Frankfurt School on him. In accordance with the philosophy of Peter Sloterdijk contemporary mass consciousness in the West is characterized by universal diffusive cynicism that arose as a consequence of an unsuccessful Enlightenment. An opposition to diffusive cynicism is neo-cynicism in which humor and satire are used to unmask a mercenary and selfish nature with evil will that is hidden behind fine appearance of a humanist and an advocate of human rights

В данной статье представлены размышления о роли образования в современном мире, в котором господствуют антипросветительские тенденции. В этом контексте и рассматривается фигура современного немецкого философа Петера Слотердайка, который выдвинул оригинальное учение, органично продолжающее традиции немецкой философии жизни. В статье исследуется эволюция творчества этого философа, влияние на него философии Франкфуртской школы. В соответствии с учением П. Слотердайка современное сознание масс на Западе характеризует универсальный диффузный цинизм, которые возник в результате неудавшегося Просвещения. Противопоставлением диффузному цинизму является неокинизм, в котором юмор и сатира используются, чтобы за благообразной маской гуманиста и поборника прав человека разоблачать корыстную и эгоистическую натуру, обладающую злой волей