Conservatism and Crisis: The Anti-Modernist Perspective in Twentieth Century German Philosophy

What happens to a culture when it’s most basic assumptions are questioned and rejected, but no new ones are offered to replace them? This book critically analyzes anti-modernist philosophy, the (perhaps futile) attempt to recover traditional worldviews and belief systems in order to cope with the void of meaning engendered by the upheavals of modernity. The textual focus of this book is interwar Germany, as it provides a dramatic and relatively recent example of cultural crisis, with a rich philosophical literature. The writings of Heidegger, Junger, Spengler, and others are discussed in detail. Key themes will be applied to our contemporary post-modern condition as well. The book examines the dangers of anti-modernism, both past and the present, but also discusses some of its implicit appeals.