Habermas and Literature: The Public Sphere and the Social Imaginary

Habermas has not systematically articulated a literary-critical method as a component of communicative reason or post-metaphysical thinking, but Habermas and Literature argues that literature performs a key role in the formation of the modern social imaginary and develops a literary theory through detailed discussion of the theories advanced by Habermas, followed by synthetic and reconstructive argumentation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Habermas, a renowned philosopher, has delved into the realm of literature, exploring its cultural significance and the works themselves. However, he has not systematically formulated a literary-critical approach as a part of communicative reason or post-metaphysical thinking. Habermas and Literature seeks to bridge this gap by bringing Habermasian concepts and frameworks into dialogue with aesthetic and cultural theories within and beyond the Frankfurt School. At its core, the book asserts that Habermas' profound contribution to literary and cultural criticism lies in the concept of literary rationality and the recognition of literature's pivotal role in shaping the modern social imaginary.

Habermas and Literature explores the multifaceted nature of literary works, highlighting their dualistic nature. On the one hand, literary works engage in discursive interventions within the public sphere, addressing societal issues and challenging dominant ideologies. On the other hand, they serve as vehicles for personal integration and imaginative disclosures, allowing individuals to explore their inner selves and connect with deeper emotions. These two aspects of literature are contingent upon two modes of literary reception: critique and identification.

The book delves into Habermas' theories, offering detailed discussions and synthetic and reconstructive arguments. It brings the framework of communicative reason into conversation with literary methods, aesthetic theories, and psychoanalytic categories. By engaging with debates surrounding aesthetic rationality, world disclosure, social imaginaries, post-secular society, and the utopian demand for happiness articulated by artworks, Habermas and Literature develops a comprehensive literary theory.

Throughout the book, the Habermasian position is critically reconstructed when necessary, drawing upon psychoanalytic and literary theories. It is tested against demanding fiction and popular works, providing a robust examination of the validity and applicability of Habermasian insights in the realm of literature.

Habermas and Literature offers a valuable contribution to the field of literary and cultural studies, providing a comprehensive exploration of Habermas' ideas and their application to the study of literature. By bridging the gap between philosophy and aesthetics, the book offers a fresh perspective on the role of literature in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501344053