In Ricoeur's Critical Theory, David M. Kaplan revisits the Habermas-Gadamer debates to show how Paul Ricoeur's narrative-hermeneutics and moral-political philosophy provide a superior interpretive, normative, and critical framework. Arguing that Ricoeur's unique version of critical theory surpasses the hermeneutic philosophy of Gadamer, Kaplan adds a theory of argumentation necessary to criticize false consciousness and distorted communication. He also argues that Ricoeur develops Habermas's critical theory, adding an imaginative, creative dimension and a concern for community values and ideas of the Good Life. He then shows how Ricoeur's political philosophy steers a delicate path between liberalism, communitarianism, and socialism. Ricoeur's version of critical theory not only identifies and criticizes social pathologies, posits Kaplan, but also projects utopian alternatives for personal and social transformation that would counter and heal the effects of unjust societies. The author concludes by applying Ricoeur's critical theory to three related problems-the politics of identity and recognition, technology, and globalization and democracy-to show how his works add depth, complexity, and practical solutions to these problems.

About the Author
David M. Kaplan is Visiting Assistant Professor of Humanities at Polytechnic University.


Book Information
ISBN 9780791456965
Author David M. Kaplan
Format Paperback
Page Count 236
Imprint State University of New York Press
Publisher State University of New York Press
Weight(grams) 327g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 25mm