Praxis and Revolution: A Theory of Social Transformation

Revolution is a key concept in modern politics, but it often perpetuates entrenched philosophical problems. Eva von Redecker reconsiders critical theory's understanding of radical change to offer a bold new account of how revolution occurs. She argues that revolutions are not singular events but extended processes that begin from the interstices of society and succeed by gradually rearticulating social structures toward a new paradigm. Praxis and Revolution incorporates a wide range of insights, from the Frankfurt School to queer theory and intersectionality, and provides a feminist, open-ended model of revolution. It urges readers to understand revolutions differently and to situate them elsewhere, in collective contexts that aim to storm manifold Bastilles—but from within.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 296 pages
\n Publication date: 24 August 2021
\n Publisher: Columbia University Press
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The concept of revolution holds immense significance in the realm of modern politics, representing the ultimate horizon of transformative change. It evokes a spectrum of emotions, from hope to horror, as it encompasses sites of both potential and peril. Within the realm of progressive thought, the term "revolution" often perpetuates entrenched philosophical challenges, such as a teleological philosophy of history, economic reductionism, and normative paternalism. In the context of resurgent uprisings, it becomes crucial to reimagine the concept of revolution in order to grasp the intricate dynamics of social transformation and differentiate revolutionary practice from authoritarian usurpation.

Eva von Redecker, in her groundbreaking work, Praxis and Revolution, reconsiders critical theory's understanding of radical change to present a bold and innovative account of how revolution unfolds. Von Redecker argues that revolutions are not singular occurrences but extended processes that originate from the margins of society and progress through the gradual rearticulation of social structures toward a new paradigm. By developing a comprehensive theoretical framework of social transformation, Praxis and Revolution incorporates a diverse range of insights, drawing from the Frankfurt School, queer theory, and intersectionality. Its revised materialism provides prefigurative politics with a robust understanding of the social conditions that give rise to revolutionary movements and offers a performative critique that harnesses the collective power of individuals and groups.

In order to illustrate her argument, Von Redecker revisits the French Revolution, employing rich literary examples that vividly depict the emergence of change through the struggles of everyday social practice. These examples include a ménage à trois within a prison, a radical knitting circle, a queer affinity group, and petitioners pleading with the executioner. Through these narratives, Von Redecker demonstrates how the concept of revolution can be reimagined as a feminist, open-ended model that empowers individuals and groups to challenge oppressive systems from within.

Praxis and Revolution urges readers to adopt a different perspective on revolutions and to locate them within collective contexts that seek to dismantle multiple Bastilles. However, it is important to note that this revolution should not be initiated from an external or hierarchical position but rather from within individual and collective experiences. By embracing the power of social transformation and the collective force of individuals and groups, Praxis and Revolution offers a roadmap for building a more just and equitable world.

In conclusion, the concept of revolution holds immense potential for transformative change, but it must be reimagined in order to address the challenges of our contemporary world. By reconsidering critical theory's understanding of radical change and incorporating a wide range of insights, Praxis and Revolution provides a bold and innovative account of how revolution occurs. Through its revised materialism and prefigurative politics, it offers a framework for understanding the social conditions that give rise to revolutionary movements and empowers individuals and groups to challenge oppressive systems from within. By adopting a collective perspective and embracing the power of social transformation, we can work towards building a more just and equitable world.

\n Weight: 440g\n
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780231198233\n \n