Normativity and Power

Reviews / Votes

As a whole, Forst's book suggests an answer to the question of how organization scholars as social scientists can engage with normative ideas. In particular, Forst's book helps clarify two questions: first, how organizational scholars can make a distinct contribution to societal deliberation on normative ideas; and second, why research on normative ideas can only ever play a supporting role for societal deliberation on normative ideas. * Emilio Marti, Organization Studies * Rainer Forst is the most systematic, methodologically self-conscious moral and political philosopher writing today. In this volume he manages to do something no one else could do: fruitfully connect metaethical constructivism and critical theory, through a probing exploration of the reciprocal relations between social power and normativity. * Allen Buchanan, James B. Duke Professor of Philosophy, Duke University, and Professor of the Philosophy of International Law, King's College, London * Rainer Forst's account of the right to justification has positioned him as a central figure in political philosophy. In this new book, Forst engages with other political ideas that are often thought to compete with his vision of humans as fundamentally justificatory beings, integrating the right to justification with issues of exploitation, power, cultural narrative, and progress. Everyone interested in any of these issues will want to read this book. * Arthur Ripstein , Professor of Law and Philosophy, University of Toronto * Rainer Forst is one of the most illuminating political philosophers now working. His writing carries forward the systematic project of the Frankfurt School with an admirable combination of analytical rigor and historical depth. At a time when liberal democracy has come to seem troublingly fragile, it is salutary to have this clear-eyed and uncompromising defense of its ideal of inclusive justification. * Michael Rosen, Department of government, Harvard University * Rainer Forst develops a powerful version of critical theory that spans philosophy, social theory, and critique where the principle of general and reciprocal justification is fundamental. Justification is not merely a theoretical question; it is a political and practical question. Such a theory must be attentive to complex historical ways in which human beings actually justify practices as well as the way in which practices themselves are always open to criticism by an appeal to rational justification. In developing his theory, he shows how it can account for power, justice, and democracy... He is imaginative, bold, and always thought provoking. * Richard J. Bernstein, New School for Social Research * Forst's characteristically brilliant and lucid essays demonstrate the potency of his signature idea-the right to justification-to perform a defining task of political philosophy: the critical analysis of social and political power. With stunning intellectual range, Forst tacks between abstract principle and concrete examples to make a compelling case that justice demands attentiveness to the structures through which we justify (or fail to justify) ourselves to others. This important book, by one of the leading political philosophers of our time, is essential reading for understanding justice in a global age. * Melissa Williams, Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto *