In Search of Lost Cheekiness An Introduction to Peter Sloterdijk’s “Critique of Cynical Reason”

Abstract

In the article, “On Search of Lost Cheekiness: An Introduction to PeterSloterdijk’s ‘Critique of Cynical Reason’” I put forward a critical summary ofSloterdijk’s fi rst major work which established his reputation as a leading Germanphilosopher. My article is structured as follows: Firstly, I analyse Sloterdijk’sunderstanding of philosophy where I explain that he is concerned with the questionsof life, and of values (if we take values not only to refer to general principles, butalso include attitudes towards life) and that one could say he is one of Nietzsche’sphilosophers of the future, who are the inventors of new values and do not believe intruth anymore. Th e main focus of Sloterdijk’s book lies in the interpretation of theEnlightenment, and our current cultural situation. Hence, I put forward my readingof Sloterdijk’s understanding of the Enlightenment period (part two), which leadsme to an analysis of the notion of ‘Cynicism’ (part three). His notion of ‘Cynicism’represents the attitude towards life which is supposed to be prevalent in the presentand which is personifi ed best by the Frankfurt School. Sloterdijk is extremely criticalof this attitude and puts forward ‘Kynicism’ as an alternative to ‘Cynicism’. Finally, Icritically interpret Sloterdijk’s notion of ‘Kynicism’.