Partly due to their rise to prominence during the political turmoil of the 1960s, the work of these critical theorists has been the subject of continuing controversy in both political and academic circles. However, their ideas are frequently misunderstood.
In this major work, now available from Polity Press, David Held presents a much-needed introduction to, and evaluation of, critical theory. Some of the major themes he considers are critical theory's relation to Marx's critique of political economy, Freudian psychoanalysis, aesthetics and the philosophy of history. There is also an extended discussion of critical theory's substantive contribution to the analysis of capitalism, culture, the family, the individual, as well as its contribution to epistemology and methodology.
* Exam copies only available to lecturers for whom the book may be suitable as a course text.
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'An important and usefu book.' Journal of the History of Sociology
'The book is clearly written, packed with information and biographical references, and most of all, well-organized.' Contemporary Sociology
'David Held's book presents the major strands of critical theory in an accessible and comprehensive form ... a valuable presentation and evaluation of the thought of the Frankfurt School and some of its critics.' Political Studies
Introduction.
Part I: Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School.
Part II: Critical Theory: Habermas.
Part III: The Importance and Limitations of Critical Theory.
