Contemporary Critical Theory and Methodology Paperback / softback

by Piet Strydom

Part of the Social Research Today series

Paperback / softback

Out of stock

Description

Contemporary critical theoryâ€™s methodology is currently taking shape under the impact both of transformative internal develops within the discipline, and of external pressures and incentives arising from a series of international debates.

In this book, Piet Strydom presents a groundbreaking treatment of critical theoryâ€™s methodology, using as a base the reconstruction of the left-Hegelian tradition, the relation between critical theory and pragmatism, and the associated metatheoretical implications.

He assesses extant positions, presents a detailed yet comprehensive restatement and development of critical theoryâ€™s methodology, compares it with a wide range of current concepts of social criticism and critique, and analyzes leading critical theoristsâ€™ exemplary applications of it.

Besides immanent transcendence and the sign-mediated epistemology common to the left-Hegelian tradition, special attention is given to the abductive imagination, reconstruction, normative and causal explanation, explanatory mechanisms and the communicative framework which enables critical theory to link up with its addressees and the public. Contemporary Critical Theory and Methodology is recommended reading for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as professionals working within disciplines such as sociology, philosophy, political science, critical theory and cultural studies.