Critique and Disclosure: Critical Theory between Past and Future (Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought)
"This is an erudite and original attempt to renew and reorient the critical theory tradition around its original promise: of thinking against the reigning legitimations of oppression and inequality in the present and of disclosing concrete possibilities of thinking and acting differently in the future. For anyone who is uncomfortable with critical theory's current direction and concerned about its future, this superb and hopeful reflection is essential." --James Tully, Distinguished Professor, University of Victoria, Canada"This is a bold and innovative book that attempts to set out an agenda for critical theory that reaches beyond Habermas. Kompridis argues for a richer, comprehensive vision of critical theory, seeing Habermas as having abridged its philosophical concerns and its relation to the tradition of German philosophy. The Heideggerian alternative presented here is quite compelling and will help initiate an important critical discussion." --James Bohman, Danforth Professor of Philosophy, St. Louis University"This is a remarkably careful and exceedingly insightful attempt to show that the path to a renewal of the critical theory of the Frankfurt School must pass through a rereading of Heidegger on the issue of 'world disclosure.' Kompridis is not the first to make such an attempt, but he is the most persuasive. This is a real philosophical achievement." --Stephen K. White, James Hart Professor, Department of Politics, University of Virginia"Jürgen Habermas has spent his career repudiating Heidegger's notion of world disclosure. The consequence has been an emaciated conception of reason and a hobbled conception of critique. Kompridis argues, powerfully and persuasively, that a refinement of disclosure, what he calls 'reflective disclosure,' is what critical theory most needs if it is to become responsive to the crises of late modernity. His generous reading enables us to comprehend how acts of world disclosure are not the 'other' of reason, but belong within an expanded conception of the powers of reason. A welcome addition to the literature on Habermas and critical theory." --J.M. Bernstein, New School for Social Research"This is an important and timely (or time-sensitive) book, both in philosophical and in practical-political terms." --Fred Dallmayr,Notre Dame Philosophical Review"This is a book that needed to be written. Habermas's critique of disclosure was at times narrow and shortsighted. But as Habermas is now rethinking some of these shortcomings, Kompridis gives him--and indeed all critical theorists--ample resources for a stronger integration of disclosive with formal and procedurally guided forms of thought." --James Swindal,International Journal of Philosophical Studies"WithCritique and Disclosure, Nikolas Kompridis makes an impressive intervention in the self-definition of Critical Theory […this book] will become a necessary reading for all those invested in the reinvigoration or, possibly, transformation of this tradition." --Patrick Gamez,Symposium: Canadian Journal of Continental Philosophy