18th Bacchus reading group
Mithen, N. (2023). Two Concepts of Moderation in the Early Enlightenment. The European Legacy, 1-20.
The paper represented part of Nick’s PhD research and explores the political and scholarly implication of (Enlightenment) moderation.
Based on correspondances by men of letters (Lodovico Antonio Muratori and Jean Le Clerc), he identifies a "skeptical" and "liberal" approach to moderation. Which is in contrast with the traditional binary of radical vs. moderate Enlightenment, shedding light on the historical diversity and contested nature of this concept.
First, the paper enriches the academic discourse on Enlightenment thought by offering a more comprehensive understanding of moderation. It reveals how different strands of Enlightenment thinkers engaged with the concept of moderation in distinct ways, reflecting their intellectual backgrounds, social contexts, and political aspirations. This nuanced understanding of moderation adds depth to the existing literature on Enlightenment discourse, which has often portrayed moderation as a static and unified concept. The identification of the "sceptical" and "liberal" wings of moderation opens up new avenues for research, inviting further exploration of the complexities and nuances of this concept during the Enlightenment period.
Second, the paper challenges simplistic notions of moderation in contemporary political thought. The traditional understanding of moderation as a mere middle ground between extremes is complicated by the historical understanding of moderation within Enlightenment discourse. By recognizing the diverse interpretations of moderation, this paper encourages a more nuanced approach to contemporary political debates. It highlights the multidimensionality of moderation and the need to navigate between competing interpretations, which can inform contemporary discussions on political moderation in a more sophisticated manner.
The practical implications for policymakers, political theorists, and practitioners who engage with the concept of moderation in the context of modern governance and political decision-making is that simplistic appeals to moderations are not sufficient in understanding the complexities of skepticism and liberalism created in pratice.
Overall, the paper advocates itself as a contribution to the scholarly understanding of moderation within Enlightenment discourse, challenging simplistic notions of moderation, and enriching contemporary discussions on political moderation.
It opens up new avenues for further research, invites nuanced approaches to the concept of moderation, and has practical implications for contemporary politics.
