The Critique of Power

Reflective Stages in a Critical Social Theory

Axel Honneth, Kenneth Baynes

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German

MIT Press
04 October 1993

Social & cultural history; History of Western philosophy; Society & Social Sciences

Series: Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought

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 J rgen 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.

By: Axel Honneth
Translated by: Kenneth Baynes
Imprint: MIT Press
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 23mm
Weight: 612g
ISBN: 9780262581288
ISBN 10: 0262581280
Series: Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought
Pages: 372
Publication Date: 04 October 1993
Recommended Age: From 18
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Professional & Vocational , A / AS level , Further / Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Axel Honneth is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Konstanz. Kenneth Baynes is currently doing postgraduate research at the University of Frankfurt.

Reviews for The Critique of Power: Reflective Stages in a Critical Social Theory

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