Critical Theory, Democracy, and the Challenge of Neoliberalism

by Brian Caterino, Phillip Hansen

Overview

With a few exceptions, critical theorists have been late to provide a comprehensive diagnosis of neoliberalism comparable in scope to their extensive analyses of advanced welfare state capitalism. Instead, the main lines of critical theory have focused on questions of international justice which, while no doubt significant, restrict the scope of critical theory by deemphasizing linkages to larger political and economic conditions.

Providing a critique of the Frankfurt School, Brian Caterino and Phillip Hansen move beyond its foundations, and call for a rethinking of the bases of critical theory as a practical, freedom-creating project. Outlining a resurgence of neoliberalism, the authors encourage a fresh, nuanced analysis that elucidates its political and economic structures and demonstrates the threats to freedom and democracy that neoliberalism poses. They propose the reformulation of a radical democratic alternative to neoliberalism, one that critically addresses its limitations while promoting an enhancement of communicative and social freedom.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781487505462
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	08/27/2019
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.15(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Brian Caterino is an independent scholar living in Rochester, NY.
Phillip Hansen is professor emeritus in the Department of Philosophy and Classics at the University of Regina. He is the author of Reconsidering C.B. Macpherson: From Possessive Individualism to Democratic Theory and Beyond, also published by the University of Toronto Press.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Macpherson, Habermas, and the Demands of Democratic Theory
2. Reason, Truth, and Power: The Challenges of Contemporary Political Theory
3. Critical Theory and Neoliberalism
4. Towards a Critical Theory of Democracy: Deliberation, Self-interest, and Solidarity
5. Towards a Critical Theory of Democracy: The Frankfurt School and Democratic Theory
6. Towards a Critical Theory of Democracy: Participatory Democracy and Social Freedom

Conclusion: Critical Theory and Radical Reform

Notes

Index

What People are Saying About This

James Ingram

"Caterino and Hansen masterfully deploy the insights of democratic theorists such as C.B. Macpherson, Carole Pateman, and Carol Gould to remedy deficits in Frankfurt School critical theory concerning political economy up to the latest mutations of neoliberal capitalism. Their thoughtful criticisms and bold synthesis should inform any attempt to rethink critical theory for the twenty-first century."

Patrick McGovern

“Timely, well written, and interesting, Critical Theory, Democracy, and the Challenge of Neoliberalism provides insightful critiques of modern capitalism, culture, and scholarship. This is an important work for those familiar with the Frankfurt School and looking to situate it within the context of present politics.”

Editorial Reviews

"Timely, well written, and interesting, Critical Theory, Democracy, and the Challenge of Neoliberalism provides insightful critiques of modern capitalism, culture, and scholarship. This is an important work for those familiar with the Frankfurt School and looking to situate it within the context of present politics."—Patrick McGovern, Department of Political Science, SUNY-Buffalo State
"Caterino and Hansen masterfully deploy the insights of democratic theorists such as C.B. Macpherson, Carole Pateman, and Carol Gould to remedy deficits in Frankfurt School critical theory concerning political economy up to the latest mutations of neoliberal capitalism. Their thoughtful criticisms and bold synthesis should inform any attempt to rethink critical theory for the twenty-first century."—James Ingram, Department of Political Science, McMaster University

From the Publisher