Modern Times

Abstract

Modernity and technology are mutually defining. Each one necessarily and fundamentally implies the other. The dominant time mode within this conjunction is the legacy of Newtonian science and the attendant machine time of the clock. Deeply taken for granted in our daily lives and our social theories, it is not easily accessible to conscious reflection and social science analysis. This means that time needs to be made visible before its pervasive role in modernity can be appreciated. The paper's other, more controversial theme relates to the recognition that the technology of the late 20th century presents us with a multitude of times that can no longer be grasped with theoretical models based on machine time. Exploring those contemporary times we can identify first points of departure from the view of reality that has gripped the western world for over 200 years.