Another Universalism - (New Directions in Critical Theory) by Stefan Eich & Anna Jurkevics & Nishin Nathwani & Nica Siegel (Paperback)

About the Book

This book brings together an ensemble of leading theorists and younger voices to explore new dimensions of Seyla Benhabib's thought across critical theory, feminism, and democratic theory, foregrounding the intricate relationship between critique and universality.

Book Synopsis

Seyla Benhabib's ongoing work has expanded the range and scope of critical theory beyond its origins to address questions of gender, migration, and difference. This book brings together an ensemble of leading theorists and younger voices to explore new dimensions of Benhabib's thought across critical theory, feminism, and democratic theory, foregrounding the intricate relationship between critique and universality.

Another Universalism provides both a wide-ranging and comprehensive engagement with Benhabib's path-breaking interventions and a panoramic tour of the cutting edge of critical theory today. Contributors take part in key debates about the field's past and future, tackling subjects such as the relationship between democracy and cosmopolitanism, the role of law in emancipatory struggles, human domination of nature, the deprovincialization of critical theory concerning questions of race and empire, as well as Hannah Arendt's continuing significance. Covering a wide range of debates and themes, Another Universalism is united by a core question: How can universal norms of human freedom, equality, and dignity be reconciled with particular contexts, especially ones of exclusion, difference, and adversity? Searching for universalisms that emerge from the concrete struggles of emancipatory movements, this book points toward an expansive, inclusive, and radical democratic vision.

Review Quotes

If there had not been sufficient proof so far of the enormous importance of Seyla Benhabib's political philosophy for understanding our present predicaments, this collection of articles offers it in abundance. Its contributions, ranging from moral psychology over political theory to postcolonial studies and written by eminent scholars within the different fields, discuss from very different perspectives Benhabib's idea that universalism can be situated and decentered by understanding it as a design for the never ending process of including ever more groups in the circle of those whose voices must be heard and respected. This is indispensable reading for everyone interested in contemporary political philosophy.--Axel Honneth, author of Freedom's Right: The Social Foundations of Democratic Life

The accelerating impact of the Frankfurt School around the world owes much to gifted thinkers who demonstrate how a tradition can remain alive and open to the future through creative elaboration. No one exemplifies this process as powerfully as Seyla Benhabib, who has enriched critical theory with insights from feminism, postcolonial studies, democratic and human rights theory, and the writings of Hannah Arendt. As this stimulating collection of essays attests, she is more than a link in a single chain, but rather at the center of an expanding global network of critical thinkers who are grappling with the most urgent issues of our day.--Martin Jay, author of Splinters in Your Eye: Frankfurt School Provocations

These rich and compelling essays testify not only to the breadth and brilliance of Seyla Benhabib's thought but also to her dialogism, mentorship, and influence. A marvelous collection!--Nancy Fraser, author of Cannibal Capitalism: How Our System Is Devouring Democracy, Care, and the Planet--and What We Can Do About It

This volume pays persuasive tribute to the power of Seyla Benhabib's compelling rethinking of the legacies of critical political theory. Concepts such as dialogical universalism, cosmopolitanism of codependence from below, democratic iterations, jurisgenerative politics and postnational sovereignty characterize her attempt to explore new normative grounds for political theory by thinking with and against Kant and Hegel, Arendt and Habermas in an age of migrations and the threat of new forms of neo-fascism across the world.--Andreas Huyssen, author of Miniature Metropolis: Literature in an Age of Photography and Film

This wide-ranging and penetrating collection on the work of Seyla Benhabib, one of the most influential figures in the 'third generation' of critical theorists, is not only an important testimony to Benhabib's influence but also a significant contribution in its own right. With its wide range of topics, the volume should be of interest to scholars even beyond those primarily interested in Benhabib's own unique contributions.--Kenneth Baynes, author of Habermas

About the Author

Stefan Eich is assistant professor of government at Georgetown University.

Anna Jurkevics is assistant professor of political science at the University of British Columbia.

Nishin Nathwani is a PhD candidate in political science at Yale University and the senior adviser at Rainbow Railroad.

Nica Siegel is visiting assistant professor of law, jurisprudence, and social thought at Amherst College.