Both historically sophisticated and philosophically original, this is an extremely learned book, the product of decades of research, teaching, and engaging in what Schelkshorn calls intercultural philosophy. It weaves a fascinating story about what makes modern philosophy distinctly modern: from Bacon to Montaigne, it tracks the ways in which subjects, spaces, and time were un-bounded and humans were cast against their meagre resources: reason, will, and passion. The readings of writers are supremely elegant, but also focused. The book also brings into the fray the work of Latin American philosophers who have been both critics and defenders of the Enlightenment. * Eduardo Mendieta, Professor of Philosophy and Latina/o Studies, Pennsylvania State University, USA * Schelkshorn“s book is an original and well-argued interpretation of basic issues concerning the formation of the modern world. His concept of de-limitation, referring to multiple expansions of human horizons and activities, is a new key to the adventures of early modern thought. The book is essential reading for scholars interested in debates on modernity. * Johann P. Arnason, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, La Trobe University, Australia *
