Retrospectively philosophers, scientists, and other historical figures in Western culture can be seen during that period as displaying a greater proclivity to question the givenness of the world — a givenness espoused in classical philosophy and Judeo-Christian revelation — and to assert the centrality of the human mind as the basis for human power.
The various ideated abstractions and views associated with the Modern Project include: materialism, determinism (metaphysics), rationalism, empiricism, skepticism (epistemology), utilitarianism, hedonism, moral relativism (ethics), atheism, nihilism, secularism, humanism (religion), individualism, egalitarianism, cosmopolitanism (sociology), capitalism, socialism, communism (economics), progressivism, liberalism, democracy, constitutionalism, and nationalism (politics).
The success of Newtonian mechanics marked a major victory of the modern project and is sometimes credited with beginning the Enlightenment.
"[2] The use of Entwurf is in direct response to German philosophers who saw the "modern" as a moment unfolding in history rather than as a condition of being.
Leo Strauss says of the modern project that it no longer allows philosophy or science "to be understood as essentially contemplative," but instead requires that those two disciplines actively seek to relieve man's estate.