Chapter 1 Introduction Part 2 SITUATIONS Chapter 3 From Liberation to Restoration (1945-1959) Chapter 4 From Incubation to Revolt (1960-1969) Chapter 5 From Revision to Hope and Back Again (1970-2000) Part 6 PROFILES AND INTERVENTIONS Chapter 7 The Phantoms of 1968 Chapter 8 The Ghosts of 1945 Chapter 9 After 1989—In the Shadows of 1945 and Under the Specters of 1968 Part 10 IMPACT AND DISCONTENTS Chapter 11 Architectonic and Authorship Chapter 12 The Habermas Effect Chapter 13 At the Crossroads of a New Critical Theory
Martin Beck Matustik is professor of philosophy and director of the English and Philosophy Ph.D. Program at Purdue University. He is the author of Postnational Identity: Critical Theory and Existential Philosophy in Habermas, Kierkegaard, and Havel, Specters of Liberation: Great Refusals in the New World Order, and co-editor of Kierkegaard in Post/Modernity.
Matu?tík's remarkable new study of Jurgen Habermas provides a
three-dimensional portrait of a finely etched figure set against
the uneven ground of Germany's postwar struggle to transform itself
into a robust democracy. A compelling presentation of the drama of
critical intellect at its most incisive.
*Martin Jay, University of California, Berkeley*
Martin Matu?tík's book is not only an insightful and rigorous
introduction to the systematic aspects of Habermas's work but also
an extremely valuable reconstruction of the intellectual trajectory
of the author under scrutiny, and a thorough presentation of the
cultural background from which his theoretical project emerged.
*Ernesto Laclau, University of Essex*
Exceptional book! Matu?tík's work offers a new model of writing a
biography of an engaged philosopher and the first integral
narrative of Habermas's political life. Under the shadow of May
1945, Habermas, member of the great skeptical generation, could not
lead the generation of May 1968, because he judged it as if it were
an expression of left fascism. Similarly, after the events of
November 1989 he remained blind to many negative aspects of the
American imperial hegemony. Yet without doubt, Habermas is a unique
witness of Germany's 20th century, a philosopher whose most
significant production is not exhausted by his splendid writings,
but rather finds its full embodiment in his political life as
honest search for truth.
*Enrique Dussel, Universidad Autónoma Metroplitana-Iz (Mexico
City)*
Martin Matu?tík has written a fair summation and incisive critique
of the work of Jürgen Habermas. He brings an original
interpretation of earlier thinkers of critical theory such as
Adorno and Benjamin and thinkers associated with postmodernism such
Foucault and Derrida to deepen our understanding of both the
significance and limitations of Habermas's work. The book is
clearly written and will make an important addition to the Habermas
scholarship.
*Drucilla Cornell, Rutgers University*
In Matu?tík's book Habermas's thought distinctively meets his life
(within the vast relevant scholarship). The thought is thoroughly
treated.
*Perspectives on Political Science*
An innovative and provocative work that raises new questions and
offers intellectual insights.
*Stephen Eric Bronner, Rutgers University*
Offers a very detailed account of the evolution of Habermas's
political ideas and an exhaustive study of his quest to relate his
theorizing to changing political issues. The book includes a very
extensive list of Habermas's writings and a full bibliography of
sources. Recommended for graduate and research collections.
*CHOICE*
Matustik approaches his subject with an appealing combination of
enormous respect and shrewd scepticism. This portrait effectively
captures the formative episodes of a figure who has persistently
sought to define the boundaries of responsible opposition.
*New Left Review*
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