The Critique of Power - (Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought) by Axel Honneth (Paperback)

About the Book

In this rich interpretation of the history of critical theory, Axel Hormeth clarifies critical theory's central problems and emphasizes the social factors that should provide it with a normative and practical orientation.

Book Synopsis

In this rich interpretation of the history of critical theory, Axel Hormeth clarifies critical theory's central problems and emphasizes the social factors that should provide it with a normative and practical orientation.

Axel Honneth's Critique of Power is a rich interpretation of the history of critical theory, which clarifies its central problems and emphasizes the "social" factors that should provide that theory with a normative and practical orientation.

Honneth focuses on the dialog between French and German social theory that was beginning at the time of Michel Foucault's death. It traces the common roots of the work of Foucault and Jürgen Habermas to a basic text of the last generation of critical theorists--Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno's Dialectic of Enlightenment--and draws from this connection the outline of a program that might unite and surpass their seemingly irreconcilable methods of critiquing power structures. In doing so, Honneth provides a constructive and nonpolemical framework for comparisons between the two theorists. And he presents a novel interpretation of Foucault's analysis of social systems.

Honneth traces the internal contradictions in critical theory through an analysis of Horkheimer's early programmatic writings, the Dialectic of Enlightenment, and Adorno's later social-theoretical writings. He shows how Habermas and Foucault in their distinctive ways reinserted the social world into critical theory but argues that neither operation has been wholly successful. His cogent analysis redirects critical social theory in ways that can draw on the strengths and avoid the weaknesses of the two approaches.

Review Quotes

"We owe a large debt to Axel Honneth for uncovering some of the theoretical affinities between the work of the Frankfurt School and that of Foucault... . The "Critique of Power is "a demanding book but also an immensely rewarding one. Honneth is particularly good at bringing out the deep structure of an author's work - the basic assumptions, the subtle shifts of emphasis, the fundamental tensions and theoretical dead-ends. He conveys the complexities of an author's work without losing sight of the central themes. His criticisms are original, penetrating, and often persuasive... . A work of excellent scholarship and powerful analysis which will find a place on many reading lists concerned with contemporary social theory and European thought. "--John B. Thompson, Times Higher Education Supplement

" We owe a large debt to Axel Honneth for uncovering some of the theoretical affinities between the work of the Frankfurt School and that of Foucault... . The Critique of Power is a demanding book but also an immensely rewarding one. Honneth is particularly good at bringing out the deep structure of an author's work - the basic assumptions, the subtle shifts of emphasis, the fundamental tensions and theoretical dead-ends. He conveys the complexities of an author's work without losing sight of the central themes. His criticisms are original, penetrating, and often persuasive... . A work of excellent scholarship and powerful analysis which will find a place on many reading lists concerned with contemporary social theory and European thought. " -- John B. Thompson, Times Higher Education Supplement

" We owe a large debt to Axel Honneth for uncovering some of the theoretical affinities between the work of the Frankfurt School and that of Foucault... . The "Critique of Power is "a demanding book but also an immensely rewarding one. Honneth is particularly good at bringing out the deep structure of an author's work - the basic assumptions, the subtle shifts of emphasis, the fundamental tensions and theoretical dead-ends. He conveys the complexities of an author's work without losing sight of the central themes. His criticisms are original, penetrating, and often persuasive... . A work of excellent scholarship and powerful analysis which will find a place on many reading lists concerned with contemporary social theory and European thought. " -- John B. Thompson, Times Higher Education Supplement

-- John B. Thompson, Times Higher Education Supplement

About the Author

Axel Honneth is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Konstanz.

Kenneth Baynes is currently doing postgraduate research at the University of Frankfurt.