20th Century Intellectualism: Challenging Certainties and Embracing Uncertainties

1. 20th Century Intellectualism An outline for this discussion is on my blog WARNING: This is AP Euro and NOT an AP Physics class. You will not be asked to explain the complexities of Einstein’s theories. * You do need to know that……

2. The new physics challenged traditional notions of causality, time and space. • Know that this undermined the optimistic confidence that people lived in a predictable and orderly world. • NOW…here are some names/concepts and implications of this intellectual period that you should be familiar with. Do NOT take notes as I have posted this PPt on my blog  SO…relax & pay attention

3. I. Old Certainties • Belief in the power of reason to understand the universe and discover natural laws. • Belief in progress and the power of science and technology to improve living standards. • Belief in liberty and the power of individual rights to promote a just society.

4. II. Impact of WWII • Caused unprecedented death and destruction. • Overthrew established monarchies and social orders in Russia, Germany & A-H. • Led many people to question the optimistic belief in reason, progress and individual rights.

5. III. The Terrible Uncertainties • A widespread feeling of disillusionment, uncertainty and anxiety. • New doubts about the ability of individuals to control their lives • An intellectual crisis that affected every field of thought.

6. Philosophers, scientists, psychologists and artists began to portray physical reality, human nature and human society in ways that were different from the past. • In particular, their new concepts challenged the major presuppositions of mid-19th century: • Science • Rationalism • Liberalism • Bourgeois (middle-class) morality

7. Toward a 20th c. Frame of Mind • Science: a) know the results of 20th c. discoveries (see handout on my blog) • Literature: a) know the aspects of the realist movement (see my blog) 3. What were “modernists” concerned with?

8. Philosophy: a) know Nietzsche’s basic positions (see handout on blog) • Birth of Psychoanalysis: a) Know Sigmund Freud’s basic assumptions and the implications: 1) his theories undermined the Enlightenment’s belief that humans are fundamentally rational beings. 2) Freud emphasized the power of uncontrolled irrational and unconscious drives. 3) 3 parts to the human psych = the id, ego, and superego

9. Retreat from “rationalism” in politics a) KNOW Max Weber & his view of the role of reason (see blog handout) b) Theorists of collective behavior and the rationality of the individual (see blog handout)

10. Racism a) Aryan “race” and Arther de Gobineau b) role of anthropologists? c) Houston Stewart Chamberlain’s basic thought on race. d) Nationalism + racism = most powerful & aggressive ideology in early 20th c.

11. Anti-Semitism & the Birth of Zionism a) Why did anti-Semitism become stronger & more palpable at end of the 19th c. ? b) Zionism c) Theodor Herzl (The Jewish State)