Poststructuralism and the politics of method / Andrew M. Koch.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Koch, Andrew M., 1953-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political science--Philosophy.

Political science.

Poststructuralism.

Knowledge, Theory of.

Physical Description:

x, 145 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Lanham, MD : Lexington Books, [2007]

Summary:

Since the time of Plato, political philosophy has attempted to create a secure basis upon which to build the prescriptive claims for political action. However, if knowledge is a human construction, and not the discovery of some essential reality, is it possible to support collective acts by reference to such foundational claims? If not, we must rethink our understanding of society, politics, and the exercise of power.

Beginning with the premise that our knowledge of political and social life is historical and contingent, Andrew M. Koch seeks to reconceptualize our understanding of politics and power. Koch moves the discussions of power and politics away from the search for foundational truths. Viewing politics and power through an epistemological lens, he explores what our understanding of politics and power looks like in the wake of deconstruction and genealogy. Koch begins with a general overview of the poststructuralist epistemology. From there the work contrasts this position with the interpretive sociology of Max Weber, uses deconstruction to politicize the work of Niklas Luhmann, and explores the implications of deconstruction for democracy, Marxist theory, institutional power, and anarchist politics.

Contents:

Poststructuralism and political philosophy

The methods of inquiry : Weber and poststructuralism

Niklas Luhmann, Jacques Derrida, and the politics of epistemological closure

Democracy and personal autonomy

Marx, Derrida, and the politics of emancipation

Conclusion: The epistemological crisis in contemporary politics.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 131-136) and index.

ISBN:

9780739114087

0739114085

9780739114094

0739114093

OCLC:

79861634