ABSTRACT
The term “modernity” is a convenient short-hand term for a number of trends and developments which have unfolded, roughly-speaking, over the past two centuries. Thus in political terms the American Declaration of Independence of 1776/1190 and the French Revolution of 1789/1203 have had considerable effects on thinking about how societies should be governed, with republics being set up in all continents and, in many cases, constitutions enshrining clear separation between religion and the state. The modern state has also become far more comprehensive in its spheres of operation, becoming involved in every area of life, including such things as health and education, as well as its traditional role in matters of law, foreign policy and taxation.
