Suchergebnisse

"Poststructuralism and Security" published on by Oxford University Press.

"Poststructuralism and Postmodernism in International Relations" published on by Oxford University Press.

An exploration of the relationship of Critical Theory to poststructuralism focuses on the work of Jurgen Habermas & Michel Foucault. Consideration is given to presuppositions of normative validity underlying Habermas's theory of communicative action & the antifoundationalism of poststructuralism. While Habermas argued for retention of the Enlightenment legacy of reason, poststructuralist thinkers rejected the principles of universalism & consensus formation. The evolution of Habermas's vindication of political modernity is traced & his attempt to base his theory of society on a communicative conception of rationality is explored, along with Foucault's turn to an "ethical aesthetics" as a possible solution to problematic aspects of modernity. A description of Habermas's analysis of political & aesthetic modernity is followed by an examination of Foucault's response, & his attempt to form a "new critical ethos that might help actualize the inherent reserve of the Enlightenment." While avoiding a universalist normative philosophy, Foucault recognized a possible rapprochement between early Critical Theory by merging his "quasi-Kantian critique aimed at rehabilitating the lost reserve of the Enlightenment with an aesthetic ethics of self-cultivation.". J. Lindroth

"Poststructuralist Ethics and International Relations" published on by Oxford University Press.

"Discourse in Foreign Policy" published on by Oxford University Press.

Discusses the goals of feminist theory & the potential advantages of grounding such theory in poststructuralism. The aims of feminist theory are broadly defined as illumination of all forms of patriarchy, emphasis on plurality & diversity over unities & universals, deconstruction of male-centered power hierarchies, new ways of conceptualizing social reality, & the capacity for political change. It is argued that poststructuralism is best suited for these goals, & feminists have already appropriated a variety of poststructuralist terms, including language, discourse, difference, & deconstruction. Drawing on the example of a 1979 sexual discrimination suit against Sears by the Equal Opportunities Employment Commission, it is argued that the contemporary debate between the equality & difference camps of feminism is misleading & destructive. Contrary to popular belief, equality & difference are not mutually exclusive goals in the pursuit of women's rights. Poststructuralism offers the opportunity for fluid & context-specific conceptualizations of difference & equality that would allow feminists to pursue both goals simultaneously. T. Sevier

The nature of poststructuralism is discussed in reference to the potential for a viable form of poststructuralist sociology (PSS). Poststructuralism is defined as a form of decentering that challenges traditional political & social mechanisms & discourses undermining social freedom. This emphasis demands that PSS recognize & actively pursue political aims, a goal mostly absent in traditional sociology. Therefore, PSS would abandon its role as a social science, discipline, & type of knowledge in favor of political self-consciousness & active opposition to all forms of social domination. At the methodological level, PSS relies on four basic assumptions: (1) theory is inherently discursive, (2) empirical reality is textual, (3) intellectual & scientific meaning is achieved through the relationship between empirical & theoretical texts, & (4) a discursive interpretation of reality facilitates better understanding of reality than traditional sociology. Drawing on a discursive analysis of the Vietnam War, it is concluded that PSS would significantly reduce the distance between sociology & real world social & political issues. 39 References. T. Sevier

"Language and Borders" published on by Oxford University Press.

"International/Global Political Sociology" published on by Oxford University Press.