Postmodern Theory: Critical Interrogations (Critical Perspectives (Guilford))

Postmodern Theory: Critical Interrogations (Critical Perspectives (Guilford))

by Douglas Kellner (Author), StevenBest (Author)

Synopsis

In this timely volume, the authors systematically analyze postmodern theory to evaluate its relevance for critical social theory and radical politics today.

Best and Kellner provide:

* An introduction and critique of the work of Foucault, Deleuze and Guattari, Baudrillard, Lyotard, Laclau and Mouffe, and Jameson, which assess the varying contributions and limitations of postmodern theory

* A discussion of postmodern feminist theory and the politics of identity

* A systematic study of the origin of the discourse of the postmodern in historical, sociological, cultural, and philosophical studies.

The authors claim that while postmodern theory provides insights into contemporary developments, it lacks adequate methodological and political perspectives to provide a critical social theory and radical politics for the present age.

$20.95

Quantity

1 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 324
Publisher: Guilford Publications
Published: 31 Jan 1992

ISBN 10: 0898624185
ISBN 13: 9780898624182

Media Reviews
It's a clear, useful anthology. Excellent for classroom use. --Dr. Paul Swann, Temple University; Course: Postmodern Criticism; Graduate

Postmodern Theory covers the difficult, sometimes treacherous, and always labyrinthine terrain of modern critical theory about as well as it can be done. This text explores the intricate--and often dense--discourses of writers like Foucault, Baudrillard, Jameson, and Habermas with admirable clarity and insight. If a good deal of postmodern theorizing is opaque and unreadable, this volume is eminently coherent and readable. If postmodernism seems all too often to be engaged in a flight from politics, Best and Kellner manage to bring the theoretical enterprise back to its political moorings. And this is no easy task. This book is highly recommended for any student of social and political theory. --Carl Boggs, National University

The most detailed introduction to postmodern social theory I have yet seen, including valuable critical readings of the major debates.'' --Fredric Jameson, Duke University

Offers a significant engagement with many of the leading figures in current philosophical debates about contemporary history, culture, and politics. Postmodern Theory's rigor, insight, and unique focus make it an important work to be reckoned with....An invaluable resource and example for anyone interested in media theory and cultural studies.'' --Lawrence Grossberg, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Author Bio
Steven Best, Ph.D., is a Professor of Humanities and Philosophy at the University of Texas, El Paso. He has published articles on Marx, postmodern theory, Baudrillard, Debord, Jameson, film, television, and cultural theory.
Douglas Kellner is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin and is the author of Karl Korsch: Revolutionary Theory; Marxism and Modernity; Jean Baudrillard: From Marxism to Postmodernism and Beyond; Camera Politica: The Politics and Ideology of Contemporary Hollywood Film (with Michael Ryan); and Television and the Crisis of Democracy