Modernist radicalism and its aftermath : foundationalism and and anti-foundationalism in radical social theory

By the end of the last century, social theories such as Marxism and Durkheimian Sociology had assumed a critical role in public affairs. These theories offered a unique knowledge of modern society which would fulfill the radical potential of modernity. As we approach the end of this century, these claims are no longer credible and the prospects for radical social theory are uncertain. Modernist Radicalism and its Aftermath explores the ways in which Marx, Durkheim, Althusser and Habermas have all been drawn towards foundationalism, and offers a framework for the analysis of foundationalism in social theory. The articulation of an alternative "post foundational" radicalism is far from simple. Important themes are identified in the work of Simmel, Weber, and Adorno and in some postmodernist theory, but they are at constant risk of regression into metaphysics or nihilism. The book closes with a plea for radicalism which can maintain the accountability of inquiry while facing up to the contingency of value. Modernist Radicalism and its Aftermath offers both an interpretation of "classical" social theory and a presentation of contemporary debates on modernity and postmodernism. At the end of the last century, social theories such as Marxism and Durkheimian Sociology could lay claim to a critical role in public affairs. They promised a unique knowledge of modern society which would fulfil the radical potential of modernity. At the end of the present century these claims are no longer credible and the prospects for radical social theory are uncertain. Modernist Radicalism and its Aftermath investigates the ways in which Marx, Durkheim, Althusser and Habermas are all drawn towards foundationalism, and offers a framework for the analysis of foundationalism in social theory. The articulation of an alternative `post foundational' radicalism is far from simple. Important themes are identified in the work of Simmel, Weber and Adorno and in some postmodernist theory, but they are at constant risk of regression into metaphysics or nihilism. The book closes with a plea for radicalism which can maintain the accountability of enquiry while facing up to the contingency of value. Modernist Radicalism and its Aftermath offers both an interpretation of `classical' social theory and an engagement with contemporary debates on modernity and postmodernity. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 List of figures......Page 10 Acknowledgements......Page 12 Introduction: the decline of radical social theory......Page 14 THE IDEA OF MODERNIST RADICALISM......Page 35 THE SOCIOLOGICAL CRITIQUE OF MODERNIST RADICALISM......Page 60 THE AUTO-CRITIQUE OF MODERNIST RADICALISM......Page 88 THE SWANSONG OF MODERNIST RADICALISM?......Page 117 THE POSTMODERNIST 'END' OF MODERNIST RADICALISM......Page 145 FOUNDATIONALISM AND RADICALISM......Page 178 POST-FOUNDATIONAL RADICALISM......Page 203 Notes......Page 231 Bibliography......Page 250 Name index......Page 263 Subject index......Page 268 Modernist Radicalism and its Aftermath investigates the ways in which Marx, Durkheim, Althusser and Habermas are all drawn towards foundationalism, and offers a framework for the analysis of foundationalism in social theory. Intended for students of sociology, philosophy and post-modernity, this book interrelates modern radicalism and its passing. Stephen Crook. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 239-251) And Indexes.