
Critical Theory
A Very Short Introduction
Stephen Eric Bronner(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
2nd Edition
Published on 26. October 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-0-19-069267-4 (ISBN)
Description
Critical theory emerged in the 1920s from the work of the Frankfurt School, the circle of German-Jewish academics who sought to diagnose -- and, if at all possible, cure -- the ills of society, particularly fascism and capitalism. In this book, Stephen Eric Bronner provides sketches of leading representatives of the critical tradition (such as George Lukacs and Ernst Bloch, Theodor Adorno and Walter Benjamin, Herbert Marcuse and Jurgen Habermas) as well as many of its seminal texts and empirical investigations.
This Very Short Introduction sheds light on the cluster of concepts and themes that set critical theory apart from its more traditional philosophical competitors. Bronner explains and discusses concepts such as method and agency, alienation and reification, the culture industry and repressive tolerance, non-identity and utopia. He argues for the introduction of new categories and perspectives for illuminating the obstacles to progressive change and focusing upon hidden transformative possibilities. In this newly updated second edition, Bronner targets new academic interests, broadens his argument, and adapts it to a global society amid the resurgence of right-wing politics and neo-fascist movements.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
This Very Short Introduction sheds light on the cluster of concepts and themes that set critical theory apart from its more traditional philosophical competitors. Bronner explains and discusses concepts such as method and agency, alienation and reification, the culture industry and repressive tolerance, non-identity and utopia. He argues for the introduction of new categories and perspectives for illuminating the obstacles to progressive change and focusing upon hidden transformative possibilities. In this newly updated second edition, Bronner targets new academic interests, broadens his argument, and adapts it to a global society amid the resurgence of right-wing politics and neo-fascist movements.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Reviews / Votes
This is the only book of its kind: it's a readable, yet expertly crafted, tour through the Frankfurt School, along with a forceful account of why the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory still matters a decade into the new millennium. I can't recommend it highly enough. * Jeffrey T. Nealon, professor of English, Penn State University; co-editor of Rethinking the Frankfurt School * The book's forthright critique and call to transformation are a breath offresh air. * Joan Braune, Philosophy in Review
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More details
Series
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
9 b/w halftones
Dimensions
Height: 172 mm
Width: 108 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
123 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-069267-4 (9780190692674)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
09/2017
2nd Edition
OUP eBook
€5.49
Available for download

E-Book
09/2017
2nd Edition
OUP eBook
€5.49
Available for download
Person
Stephen Eric Bronner is the Board of Governors Professor at Rutgers University. He is also Director of Global Relations and on the Executive Committee of the UNESCO Chair for Genocide Prevention at the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights. His writings have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
Content
List of Illustrations
Preface
Introduction: What is critical theory?
Chapter 1: The Frankfurt School
Chapter 2: A matter of method
Chapter 3: Critical theory and modernism
Chapter 4: Alienation and reification
Chapter 5: Enlightened illusions
Chapter 6: The utopian laboratory
Chapter 7: The happy consciousness
Chapter 8: The great refusal
Chapter 9: From resignation to renewal
Chapter 10: Unfinished tasks
References
Further Reading
Index
Preface
Introduction: What is critical theory?
Chapter 1: The Frankfurt School
Chapter 2: A matter of method
Chapter 3: Critical theory and modernism
Chapter 4: Alienation and reification
Chapter 5: Enlightened illusions
Chapter 6: The utopian laboratory
Chapter 7: The happy consciousness
Chapter 8: The great refusal
Chapter 9: From resignation to renewal
Chapter 10: Unfinished tasks
References
Further Reading
Index