Critical Conditions: Postmodernity and the Question of Foundations

Hardback

Main Details

Title Critical Conditions: Postmodernity and the Question of Foundations
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Horace L. Fairlamb
SeriesLiterature, Culture, Theory
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:286
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 140
Category/GenreLiterary theory
ISBN/Barcode 9780521450478
ClassificationsDewey:801
Audience
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 26 May 1994
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The postmodern debate has been heavily influenced by often contradictory conclusions about the foundations of knowledge: hermeneutics challenges epistemology, politics challenges science, identity theory challenges critical theory, pragmatism challenges formalism, and so on. Horace Fairlamb contends that philosophy's foundationist quest has usually been misconceived as a choice between a 'super-science' and theoretical anarchy. Through an examination of the history of foundationism, and detailed analysis of the work of leading theorists including Fish, Foucault, Derrida, Gadamer and Habermas, Dr Fairlamb argues for a less reductive and less arbitrary conception of knowledge and meaning. The result is a sophisticated critique of contemporary theory with implications for philosophers as well as literary theorists, and an important contribution to the current re-evaluation of theoretical discourse.