Pathologies of Reason: On the Legacy of Critical Theory

Axel Honneth has contributed to the advancement of the Frankfurt School of critical theorists by reclaiming their themes and engaging with other thinkers such as Kant, Freud, Alexander Mitscherlich, and Michael Walzer. His essays explore the possibilities of continuing this tradition in radically changed theoretical and social conditions, focusing on the unity of reason in contemporary capitalist society and the central inquiries of critical social theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Axel Honneth has played a crucial role in advancing the work of the Frankfurt School of critical theorists, revitalizing their efforts to blend rigorous philosophical inquiry with radical social and political analysis. These eleven essays reclaim the essential themes of the Frankfurt School, which included prominent figures such as Theodor W. Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Walter Benjamin, Jürgen Habermas, Franz Neumann, and Albrecht Wellmer. They also engage with the ideas of Kant, Freud, Alexander Mitscherlich, and Michael Walzer, whose work on morality, history, democracy, and individuality intersects with the core concerns of the Frankfurt School.

Collected here for the first time in English, Honneth's essays explore the unifying themes and theses that underpin critical social theory's methodologies and thematic approaches. They address the possibilities of continuing this tradition in the face of radically changed theoretical and social conditions. According to Honneth, there is a unity that underlies critical theory's diverse approaches: the way in which reason is both distorted and furthered in contemporary capitalist society. While much in the social and psychological doctrines of critical social theory may seem outdated, its central inquiries remain vitally relevant.

Is social progress still attainable after the atrocities of the twentieth century? Does capitalism deform reason, and if so, in what ways? Can we justify the relationship between law and violence in secular terms, or is it inherently bound to divine justice? How can we achieve freedom in a society that is characterized by its complexity and often lacks genuine freedom? For Honneth, suffering and moral struggle serve as the starting points for a new reconstructive form of social criticism, grounded in the empirically informed, interdisciplinary approach of the Frankfurt School.

Through his writings, Honneth seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering insights into the complex dynamics of social life and the challenges faced by individuals and societies in the modern world. His work has had a significant impact on the field of critical theory, inspiring scholars and activists to explore new avenues for social change and justice.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 141 x 216 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231146272