Sade to Genet: The New Morality (History of Modern Philosophy) (Remastered)

CR101 Radio - Podcast Network · Sep 24, 2026 · 1h 5m

This lecture traces a shocking chain reaction in modern thought: how the **Lisbon earthquake (1755)** shattered Enlightenment “reason = nature” optimism, opened the door to a darker view of nature as **irrational and lawless**, and helped set the stage for modern nihilism culminating in the disturbing but influential logic of the **Marquis de Sade**, who argued that if God and transcendent law are ruled out, then “nature” becomes the only standard and **anything** can be rationalized. From there, the talk connects the dots to today’s “do your own thing” ethic, showing how abstract philosophy…