Laclau: A Critical Reader is the first full-length critical appraisal of Laclau's work and includes contributions from several leading philosophers and theorists. The first section examines Laclau's theory that the contest between universalism and particularism provides much of the philosophical background to political and social struggle, taking up the important place accorded to, amongst others, Hegel and Lacan in Laclau's work. The second section of the book considers what Laclau's 'radical democracy' might look like and reflects on its ethical implications, particularly in relation to Laclau's post-Marxism and thinkers such as Jurgen Habermas. The final section investigates the place of hegemony in Laclau's work, the idea for which he is perhaps best-known.

This stimulating collection also includes replies to his critics by Laclau and the important exchange between Laclau and Judith Butler on equality, making it an excellent companion to Laclau's work and essential reading for students of political and social theory.

About the Author

Simon Critchley is Professor of Philosophy in the Graduate Faculty, New School University and at the University of Essex. He is the author and editor of many books.
Oliver Marchart is a lecturer in Cultural and Media Theory at the University of Basel and in Political Theory at the University of Vienna.

Reviews

' ... is exemplary in its attempt to do justice to the rich and complicated thought of its subject.' - Times Literary Supplement

'After the editor's superb introduction that sets the general implication of Laclau's work, a collection of snappy and well-written articles deal with Laclau's novel conceptualisation of hegemony and its implications ... the text is so well edited that it is quite difficult to find any problem with it.' - Political Studies Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780415238441
Author Simon Critchley
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 680g