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OverviewArgues for a pragmatist orientation for postmodern theory. Taking up the problem that has stalled contemporary theory-its treatment of the object of knowledge, the ""outside,"" as nothing but what a particular discourse makes of it-this book suggests a solution: a reinvigorated, posthumanist form of pragmatism. Author Cary Wolfe investigates three of the most significant strains of postmodern theory (pragmatism, systems theory, and poststructuralism) and shows how each confronts the specter of an ""outside"" not wholly constituted by discourses, language games, and interpretive communities. He then assesses these confrontations in light of an essentially pragmatic view of theory, one that constantly asks what practical and material difference it makes, and to whom, how these issues are negotiated. Wolfe concludes by comparing the pragmatist view of the relation of theory to politics with important work in contemporary post-Marxism. In arguing for a pragmatist orientation for postmodern theory, Wolfe deploys continental critical theory to avoid the nativism and ""American exceptionalism"" that has traditionally accompanied pragmatist philosophy. Unique in its collation of major theorists rarely considered together, Critical Environments incorporates detailed discussions of the work of Richard Rorty, Walter Benn Michaels, Stanley Cavell, Humberto Maturana, Francisco Varela, Niklas Luhmann, Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze, Fredric Jameson, and others, and ranges across fields from feminist philosophy of science to the theory of ideology. Wolfe draws on recent work in systems theory to articulate a properly postmodern pragmatism. In doing so, he offers American readers a detailed introduction to systems theory, which he situates and critiques in the broader context of philosophical pragmatism, the theory of democratic social antagonism, and materialist theories of ideology, knowledge, and power. An answer to the widespread charge of relativism leveled against postmodern theory, his work will enhance and inspire new kinds of critical thought. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Cary WolfePublisher: University of Minnesota Press Imprint: University of Minnesota Press Dimensions: Width: 17.80cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 25.40cm Weight: 0.370kg ISBN: 9780816630196ISBN 10: 0816630194 Pages: 208 Publication Date: 01 March 1998 Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate , Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: Temporarily unavailable  The supplier advises that this item is temporarily unavailable. It will be ordered for you and placed on backorder. Once it does come back in stock, we will ship it out to you. Table of ContentsReviewsAuthor InformationCary Wolfe is the Bruce and Elizabeth Dunlevie Professor of English at Rice University. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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