Resonanz

The time of theories on modernity of a philosophical and sociological nature has not yet expired by any means, as is sometimes presumed. On the contrary, our current era not only seems to almost need such theories but also to demand them. We are engaged in an ever-present search for a way of defining our situation and guidance with regard to the future. In his book 'Resonanz. Eine Soziologie der Weltbeziehung' (Resonance. A Sociology of our Relationship to the World), Hartmut Rosa speaks out on this issue and adopts an all-encompassing position on it. This book has met with such tremendous resonance that Rosa has clearly hit a nerve with it. Despite its academic nature and significance, it has attracted a readership that extends beyond the specialist audience for whom it was principally intended. Unsurprisingly, Rosa's book has triggered discussions both for and against his contentions, to which this study makes a significant contribution.