North American Critical Theory After Postmodernism

Features

Description

In a series of interviews conducted with Ben Agger, Andrew Arato, Robert J. Antonio, Seyla Benhabib, Craig Calhoun, Nancy Fraser, Doug Kellner, and Timothy W. Luke, North American Critical Theory after Postmodernism: Contemporary Dialogues explores the emergence of a generation of critical theorists whose work originated in the midst of what has been called 'the postmodern turn.' Contributors discuss their formative intellectual and political experiences, how these experiences have shaped their view of critical theory as it has evolved over the past 30 years, and what it means to practice critical theory today.

Review: Patricia Nickel does social theory an indispensable service. Some will be surprised to learn that there is, as she shows, a vibrant and important North American tradition of critical theory - one linked to its European past but also original in its own right. Nickel's thoughtful essays and informative interviews taught me things about people I've read and known for years.

It is hard to put this book down. - Charles Lemert, Senior Fellow, Center for Comparative Research, Yale University, USA In a series of compelling interviews an influential group of contemporary critical theorists working in American universities reflect on their intellectual trajectories and networks, analytic engagements with German and French social and philosophical thought, and critical analyses of neoliberal capitalism.

North American Critical Theory after Postmodernism will prove both informative and inspirational for post-graduate students, lecturers, and researchers. - Barry Smart, Professor of Sociology, School of Social, Historical Literary Studies, University of Portsmouth Critical theory is not only French or German - it is ubiquitous.

Trish Nickel's great contribution is to use this category to shine a light on the North American tradition. These personnel and their ideas coincide with the story of the American New Left. What Nickel and her illustrious subjects add to this story is a high degree of self reflexivity as to motivations, purposes and ideas.

The result is a valuable and insightful study. It deserves wide attention. - Peter Beilharz, Professor of Sociology, La Trobe University