Introduction to Critical Theory: Horkheimer to Habermas

By David Held

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520041216
• ISBN13: 9780520041219
• Release Date: October 1980
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 497 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.

Customer Reviews

great!!

It took a while to get here - nevertheless, not more than I was told of -, but the book is in great conditions. Thank you. Rui

The best introduction..

This books provide a clear and simple introduction to the extremely complex topic of critical theory. The book is very rich in substance and detail but at the same time is clear and intelligible to almost anyone who is a familiar with Marxian theory of political economy and the superstructure. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Critical Theory.