Political Theory and Postmodernism

White shows how postmodernism can inform contemporary ethical-political reflection.

Stephen K. White (Author)

9780521409483, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 August 1991

172 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1 cm, 0.23 kg

Postmodernism has evoked great controversy and it continues to do so today, as it disseminates into general discourse. Some see its principles, such as its fundamental resistance to metanarratives, as frighteningly disruptive, while a growing number are reaping the benefits of its innovative perspective. In Political Theory and Postmodernism, Stephen K. White outlines a path through the postmodern problematic by distinguishing two distinct ways of thinking about the meaning of responsibility, one prevalent in modern and the other in postmodern perspectives. Using this as a guide, White explores the work of Heidegger, Foucault, Derrida, Lyotard, and Habermas, as well as 'difference' feminists, with the goal of showing how postmodernism can inform contemporary ethical-political reflection. In his concluding chapter, White examines how this revisioned postmodern perspective might bear on our thinking about justice.

Preface
1. Introduction: the postmodern problematic
2. Understanding the modern/postmodern tension
3. Heidegger's ambiguous legacy for postmodernism
4. Heidegger and responsibility to otherness
5. From/after this laughter and this dance
6. Difference feminism and responsibility to otherness
7. Rethinking justice
8. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Social & political philosophy [HPS]