Introduction to Critical Theory: Horkheimer to Habermas - Hardcover
The writings of the critical theorists caught the imagination of students and intellectuals in the 1960s and 1970s. They became a key element in the formation and self-understanding of the New Left, and have been the subject of continuing controversy. Partly because of their rise to prominence during the political turmoil of the sixties, and partly because they draw on traditions rarely studied in the Anglo-American world, the works of these authors are often misunderstood. In this book David Held provides a much-needed introduction to, and evaluation of, critical theory. He is concerned mainly with the thought of the Frankfurt school - Horkheimer, Adorno, Marcuse, in particular - and with Habermas, one of Europe's leading contemporary thinkers.Several of the major themes considered are critical theory's relation to Marx's critique of the political economy, Freudian psychoanalysis, aesthetics, and the philosophy of history. There is also a discussion of critical theory's substantive contribution to the analysis of capitalism, culture, the family, and the individual, as well as its contribution to epistemology and methodology. Held's book will be necessary reading for all concerned with understanding and evaluating one of the most influential intellectual movements of our time.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
′The best introduction to, and analysis of the work of the leading figures in the ′Frankfurt School′ that has yet appeared. It should become the standard work in the field.′ Political Studies
From the Back Cover:
′An important and usefu book.′ Journal of the History of Sociology
′The book is clearly written, packed with information and biographical references, and most of all, well–organized.′ Contemporary Sociology
′David Held′s book presents the major strands of critical theory in an accessible and comprehensive form ... a valuable presentation and evaluation of the thought of the Frankfurt School and some of its critics.′ Political Studies
The writings of the Frankfurt school, in particular of Horkheimer, Adorno, Marcuse, and Jurgen Habermas, caught the imagination of the radical movements of the 1960s and 1970s and became a key element in the Marxism of the New Left.
Partly due to their rise to prominence during the political turmoil of the 1960s, the work of these critical theorists has been the subject of continuing controversy in both political and academic circles. However, their ideas are frequently misunderstood.
In this major work, now available from Polity Press, David Held presents a much–needed introduction to, and evaluation of, critical theory. Some of the major themes he considers are critical theory′s relation to Marx′s critique of political economy, Freudian psychoanalysis, aesthetics and the philosophy of history. There is also an extended discussion of critical theory′s substantive contribution to the analysis of capitalism, culture, the family, the individual, as well as its contribution to epistemology and methodology.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherUniversity of California Press
- Publication date1992
- ISBN 10 0520041216
- ISBN 13 9780520041219
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages497
- Rating
(No Available Copies)
Search Books: Create a WantIf you know the book but cannot find it on AbeBooks, we can automatically search for it on your behalf as new inventory is added. If it is added to AbeBooks by one of our member booksellers, we will notify you!
Create a Want