The Myth of Being Modern: Bruno Latour and the Illusion of Separation
Explore Bruno Latour's philosophy in The Myth of Being Modern. Discover why the separation of nature and society is an illusion and how hybrids define our world.
Bestes Zitat aus The Myth of Being Modern: Bruno Latour and the Illusion of Separation
The 'modern' identity we’ve built for ourselves—this idea that we are the enlightened ones who finally separated objective facts from subjective human values—is actually a bit of a myth. We are constantly mixing them together to create 'hybrids' like climate change, which is both a natural phenomenon and a social crisis at the very same time.
Diese Audiolektion wurde von einem BeFreed-Community-Mitglied erstellt
Generate me a lesson on we are never modern
Häufig gestellte Fragen
The podcast explores Bruno Latour's 1991 book, We Have Never Been Modern, which argues that the defining trait of modernity—the clean separation between nature and society—is actually a myth. While we attempt to put objective facts like DNA and climate into one box and subjective human values like politics into another, Latour suggests these categories are constantly being mixed together in practice.
In the context of Latour's work, hybrids are entities that exist at the intersection of nature and society, blending objective science with human influence. Examples include a global pandemic or the hole in the ozone layer. These phenomena prove that the 'modern' identity of keeping labs and parliaments separate is an illusion, as we are constantly creating things that belong to both worlds simultaneously.
The podcast discusses how the 'modern' identity is built on the belief that we have successfully separated objective nature from subjective human society. However, by looking at complex issues like climate change, it becomes clear that these two boxes are incredibly small and cramped. Because we have never truly achieved this separation in practice, Latour argues that the very definition of being modern is an illusion.
Mehr entdecken
Neuroscience, Culture & Politics Study
Neuroscience, Culture & Politics Study
This study bridges the gap between biology and sociology to explain the roots of modern social conflict. It is ideal for policy makers, psychologists, and curious minds seeking to understand how the brain navigates power and culture.
Modern History
Modern History
This plan offers a comprehensive overview of the pivotal events that shaped our current geopolitical landscape. It is ideal for students, history enthusiasts, or professionals seeking to understand the historical roots of modern global conflicts and technological integration.
Explore Politics, History, Tech & Environment
Explore Politics, History, Tech & Environment
This learning plan provides a holistic overview of the critical forces—political, historical, technological, and environmental—that define our modern world. It is designed for curious minds and future leaders seeking to understand how past patterns and emerging innovations intersect to shape our collective future.
Nature, Stars, Psychology & History Study
Nature, Stars, Psychology & History Study
This interdisciplinary plan bridges the gap between the natural world, human behavior, and our vast historical narrative. It is designed for curious minds seeking to understand the interconnected forces that shape our reality, from cosmic origins to modern societal structures.
Politics
Politics
This comprehensive politics curriculum is essential for anyone seeking to understand how power operates in modern societies and why political conflicts arise. Whether you're a student, professional, engaged citizen, or aspiring policymaker, this learning path provides the theoretical frameworks and analytical tools needed to make sense of today's complex political landscape and participate meaningfully in democratic discourse.
Explore Human Nature, Mind & Culture
Explore Human Nature, Mind & Culture
This plan provides a multidisciplinary lens on the human experience, bridging biology, psychology, and history. It is ideal for curious minds seeking to understand the deep-seated drivers of behavior and the evolution of society.
Study dark psych, religion, and mythology
Study dark psych, religion, and mythology
This plan bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern behavioral science to reveal the hidden forces driving human behavior. It is ideal for students of psychology, writers, or anyone seeking to understand the intersection of power, ethics, and the collective unconscious.
Be a better sociologist
Be a better sociologist
This plan provides a comprehensive bridge between classical theory and modern application, essential for anyone looking to analyze human behavior within systems. It is ideal for aspiring social scientists, policy makers, or curious minds seeking to understand the mechanics of society.
Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
