Modernity and Contemporaneity: An Introduction (original) (raw)

2022, Modernity and Contemporaneity

Modernity and Contemporaneity is the 3 rd volume in the Hellenic-Serbian Philosophical Dialogue Series, a project that was initiated as an emphatic token of the will and commitment to establish permanent and fruitful collaboration between two strongly bonded Departments of Philosophy, this of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and that of the University of Novi Sad respectively. This collaboration was founded from the very beginning upon friendship, mutual respect and strong engagement, as well us upon our firm resolution to establish a solid continuity in the editing project. The publication of this volume allows us to entertain feelings of contentment and confidence that this objective of the project has been accomplished. Yet, next to the above, a parallel and equally significant project has also been initiated, i.e. one of philosophical reflection that is nourished by our collaborative effort, but has surpassed the self-referential mode that is inherent in the idea proper of a common project. In the series, a sincere attempt to think the present has been expanded by both the editors and the authors that they are kind enough to engage their writing production in the publication planning of the series. The 1 st volume in the Series focused on Thinking in Action, while the 2 nd discussed the notion of Personhood. This 3 rd volume turns even more resolutely to the philosophical hic et nunc, as it is being understood in two cultural and philosophical environments of the European South with a solid tradition of association and reciprocal attachment. What can be said about contemporaneity, the historical and intellectual environment we live in, and still is not entirely within our grasp and control? This question is the one that provided the initial spark for our quest, and serves as the backbone of this volume.