With Modernity, every "subject" is individual and unique but prey to contradictions. This book focuses first on Modernity's separation of truth (is knowledge rigorously rational?) from justice (is an action ethical?). Modernity values human dignity and autonomy, but its commitment to self-realization is unsustainable and neglects the common good, which is lost in the "anonymity" of technology and economics. Lost are both truly creative individuality and productive social relationships. Sequeri then examines contradictions in our "common humanity" the power of desire, the excesses of tragedy, modalities of cooperation, and the manifestations of diversity. Recent anthropology and psychanalysis support his goal of renewed acceptance of (a) desire that leads to life-creating affection, and (b) otherness as a reason for existential cooperation.
