Join Books.org — it's free

Modern Philosophy - 20th Century, Education - Philosophy & Social Aspects, Modern Philosophy - General & Miscellaneous, Postmodernism
Modernity and its Discontents by James Marsh β€” book cover

Modernity and its Discontents

by James Marsh, John Caputo, John D. Caputo
Available on Bookshop Write a review

Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.

Log in to track your reading progress.

Overview

The introduction by Merold Westphal sets the scene: "Two books, two visions of philosophy, two friends and sometimes colleagues...". Modernity and Its Discontents is a debate between Caputo and Marsh in which each upheld their opposing philosphical positions by critical modernism and post-modernism. The book opens with a critique of each debater of the other's previous work. With its passionate point-counterpoint form, the book recalls the philosphical dialogues of classical times, but the writing style remains lucid and uncluttered. Taking the failure of Englightenment ideals as their common ground, the debaters challenge each other's ideas on the nature of post-foundationalist critique. At the core of the argument lies the timely question of the role that each person can play in creating a truly humane society.

Synopsis

The introduction by Merold Westphal sets the scene: "Two books, two visions of philosophy, two friends and sometimes colleagues...". Modernity and Its Discontents is a debate between Caputo and Marsh in which each upheld their opposing philosphical positions by critical modernism and post-modernism. The book opens with a critique of each debater of the other's previous work. With its passionate point-counterpoint form, the book recalls the philosphical dialogues of classical times, but the writing style remains lucid and uncluttered. Taking the failure of Englightenment ideals as their common ground, the debaters challenge each other's ideas on the nature of post-foundationalist critique. At the core of the argument lies the timely question of the role that each person can play in creating a truly humane society.

Booknews

A critique of high modernism from a newly formulated Marxist perspective, achieved through analyses of texts by Marx and Adorno, Manet's paintings, and the works of several Latin American writers. A lucid attempt at a mediated dialogue between the critical modernism of Marsh's Post-Cartesian meditations, deeply indebted to the thought of Jurgen Habermas, and the postmodernism of John D. Caputo's Radical hermeneutics, equally indebted to the thought of Jacques Derrida. Based on a symposium at Fordham U. in March 1989. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About the Author, James Marsh

James L. Marsh is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Fordham University. He has published widely in such philosophical journals as International Philosophical Quarterly, New German Critique, and International Journal for Philosophy of Religion.

John D. Caputo is the David R. Cook Professor of Philosophy at Villanova University and is editor of Fordham University Press' Perspectives in Continental Philosophy Series.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Log in to write one.

Editorials

Booknews

A critique of high modernism from a newly formulated Marxist perspective, achieved through analyses of texts by Marx and Adorno, Manet's paintings, and the works of several Latin American writers. A lucid attempt at a mediated dialogue between the critical modernism of Marsh's Post-Cartesian meditations, deeply indebted to the thought of Jurgen Habermas, and the postmodernism of John D. Caputo's Radical hermeneutics, equally indebted to the thought of Jacques Derrida. Based on a symposium at Fordham U. in March 1989. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Book Details

Published
January 1, 1992
Publisher
Fordham University Press
Pages
238
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780823213443

More by James Marsh

Similar books