Wiley-Blackwell A Theory of Modernity

Written by one of the most influential figures in post-World-War-II social thought, A Theory of Modernity is a comprehensive analysis of the main dynamics of modernity, which discusses the technological, social and political elements of modernism. Review "Heller is an outstanding, independent thinker. Her theory of modernity is distinctive and brings fresh philosophic insight to many topics that are currently being debated." -- Richard J. Bernstein, The New School for Social Research "The book is an elegantly written and assured summation of her views on modernity from a philosopher probably now at the height of her powers. It incorporates Heller's own philosophical perspective, an outline of her great predecessors, a comprehensive theory of modernity and a spirit with its own complex cultural dynamic and novel subjective experience and problems." --John Grumley, University of Sydney From the Inside Flap Written by one of the most influential figures in post-World-War-II social thought, A Theory of Modernity is a comprehensive analysis of the main dynamics of modernity, which discusses the technological, social and political elements of modernism. Heller's unique exploration of the traditional works from Hegel, Marx, Weber, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, and Arendt combined with the wisdom gained from her life experiences, allows the reader to grasp the essence of modernity. Some of her encounters are idiosyncratic, while others are shared with all who lived through the Holocaust and totalitarian dictatorships. This engaging and enlightening view of modernity is an essential read for academics, researchers, and students of twentieth-century philosophy. From the Back Cover Written by one of the most influential figures in post-World-War-II social thought, A Theory of Modernity is a comprehensive analysis of the main dynamics of modernity, which discusses the technological, social and political elements of modernism. Heller's unique exploration of the traditional works from Hegel, Marx, Weber, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, and Arendt combined with the wisdom gained from her life experiences, allows the reader to grasp the essence of modernity. Some of her encounters are idiosyncratic, while others are shared with all who lived through the Holocaust and totalitarian dictatorships. This engaging and enlightening view of modernity is an essential read for academics, researchers, and students of twentieth-century philosophy. About the Author Agnes Heller-a colleague, pupil, and friend of George Lukacs and one-time dissident in Communist Hungary - is Hannah Arendt Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York. Her books include Reconstructing Aestheticism (1986), Beyond Justice (1988), General Ethics (1989), A Philosophy of Morals (1990), and An Ethics of Personality (1996), all published by Blackwell Publishers.