
Dialectic of Enlightenment
Critical Theory and the Messianic Light
Jacob Klapwijk(Author)
Wipf & Stock Publishers
Published on 9. August 2010
Book
Hardback
124 pages
978-1-4982-5740-4 (ISBN)
Description
Dialectic of Enlightenment is a thought-provoking introduction to the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory. Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno first identified the ""dialectic of enlightenment"" when fascism was on the rampage in Europe. They warned that enlightened reason and societal freedom threaten to revert into blindness and oppression. Herbert Marcuse and the young Jurgen Habermas elaborated their Critical Theory, declaring that post-war society has not escaped this dilemma, blinded as it is by ideology, pseudo-democracy, and mass manipulation.
Critical Theory aims to unmask modern reason and liberate society. But a fundamental question keeps coming back: how can this critique of modernity remain viable within a repressive societal system? Is reason in the modern world indeed doomed to self-destruct? Does rationality inevitably lead to domination and oppression? Jacob Klapwijk argues that the dialectic of enlightenment proves to be a faith, a mythical faith encouraging resignation and despair. Instead we need a wholesome reason, one inspired by a messianic faith.
Dialectic of Enlightenment is an important book for students of philosophy, theology, and the social sciences. It invites them to a renewed criticism of the mythological traits and self-destructive tendencies of modern reason. It also offers a perspective of hope to all who share the author's concern about the direction of today's globalizing world.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Eugene
United States
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
342 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4982-5740-4 (9781498257404)
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
08/2010
Wipf and Stock Publishers
€16.49
Available for download
Persons
Jacob Klapwijk is Professor Emeritus of the Department of Philosophy, Free University, Amsterdam. He is an expert on the philosophy of history, and in recent years also involved in the creation-evolution debate. He is the author of Purpose in the Living World? Creation and Emergent Evolution (2009).
Author
Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
Foreword
Translation