Critical Conditions: Postmodernity and the Question of Foundations (Literature, Culture, Theory, Series Number 8)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521456657 ISBN 13: 9780521456654

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1994

The postmodern debate has been heavily influenced by often contradictory conclusions about the foundations of knowledge. Horace Fairlamb contends that philosophy's foundationist quest has usually been misconceived as a choice between "super-science" and theoretical anarchy. Examining the history of foundationism, and providing 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 an important contribution to the current reevaluation of theoretical discourse.

Book Description:

Examining the history of foundationism, and providing a detailed analysis of the work of leading theorists including Fish, Foucault, Derrida, Gadamer and Habermas, this study argues for a less reductive and arbitrary conception of knowledge and meaning.

From the Back Cover:

Providing a sophisticated critique of contemporary foundationist debate, this work contributes significantly to the current revaluation of theoretical discourse with implications for philosophers as well as literary theorists.