Wittgenstein and the idea of a critical social theory : a critique of Giddens, Habermas, and Bhaskar / Nigel Pleasants.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Pleasants, Nigel, 1962-

Series:

Routledge studies in social and political thought ; 15.

Routledge studies in social and political thought ; 15

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Wittgenstein, Ludwig, 1889-1951--Political and social views.

Wittgenstein, Ludwig.

Social sciences--Philosophy.

Social sciences.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (222 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Routledge, 2002.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book uses the philosophy of Wittgenstein as a perspective from which to challenge the very idea of critical social theory, represented preeminently by Giddens, Habermas and Bhaskar. Renouncing the quest for an alternative Wittgensteinian theory of social and political life, the author shows that Wittgenstein nevertheless has considerable significance for critical thought and practice.

Contents:

Book Cover; Title; Contents; Acknowledgements; Wittgenstein and critical social theory; Does Wittgenstein mean what he says? The rejection of 'theory' and 'explanation'; Winch, Wittgenstein and critical social theory; Wittgenstein's rule-following remarks and critical social theory: deconstructing tacit knowledge and transcendental rules; Hayek's and Giddens's epistemological argument against socialism: a myth of symbolism?; 'Free to act otherwise'? Questioning the reality of Bhaskar's realist ontology

Milgram versus Garfinkel: are we cultural dopes or reflexive agents? A reflexive critique of ethnomethodologyHabermas and the idea of a critical social theory; a change of paradigm?; Conclusion; Notes; References; Name index; Subject index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 197-202) and indexes.

ISBN:

1-134-65734-X

1-134-65733-1

1-280-32998-X

0-203-26382-0

0-203-05605-1

9780203056059

OCLC:

61661449