Wittgenstein and the Idea of a Critical Social Theory: A Critique of Giddens, Habermas and Bhaskar [Hardcover]

This book uses the philosophy of Wittgenstein as a perspective from which to challenge the very idea of critical social theory, represented preeminently by Giddens, Habermas and Bhaskar. Renouncing the quest for an alternative Wittgensteinian theory of social and political life, the author shows that Wittgenstein nevertheless has considerable significance for critical thought and practice.This book uses the philosophy of Wittgenstein as a perspective from which to challenge the idea of a critical social theory, represented pre-eminently by Giddens, Habermas and Bhaskar.Nigel Pleaants Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Exeter.Chapter 1 Wittgenstein and Critical Social Theory; Chapter 2 Does Wittgenstein Mean What he Says?; Chapter 3 Winch, Wittgenstein and Critical Social Theory; Chapter 4 Wittgenstein???s Rule-Following Remarks and Critical Social Theory; Chapter 5 Hayek???s and Giddens???s Epistemological Argument Against Socialism; Chapter 6 ???Free to Act Otherwise????; Chapter 7 Milgram Versus Garfinkel; Chapter 8 Habermas and The Idea of a Critical Social Theory; Chapter 9 Conclusion;US? 1999 Nigel Pleasants