Description
Book Synopsis1. A new collection of philosophical essays by one of the worlda s leading social and political thinkers. 2. Explores the work of important figures in twentieth--century philosophy and theology, such as Karl Jaspers and Gerschom Scholem 3. An invaluable resource for students and scholars of contemporary philosophy and theology.
Trade ReviewJürgen Habermas has been awarded the prestigious 'Friedenspreis des deutschen Buchhandels' prize for 2001 'The Liberating Power of Symbols carries on from where Habermas's previous foray into modern European thought, The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity, left off. If the latter offered a trenchant critique of post-structuralism, the former concentrates on promising departures for contemporary philosophy ... These new books by Habermas will be indispensable for years to come [and will] undoubtedly make provocative reading.' Anthony Elliott, The Australian
'This book is a must read for students interested in the power of symbols and how these can serve as mechanisms of suppression and emancipation. This is also a good book for those interested in the development of Habermas' ideas, as many of the essays and lectures illustrate how he builds and validates his arguments.' Millennium
Table of ContentsPreface.
Chapter 1: The Liberating Power of Symbols: Ernst Cassirer's Humanistic Legacy and the Warburg Library.
Chapter 2: The Clash of Beliefs: Karl Jaspers on the Conflict Between Cultures.
Chapter 3: Between Traditions: A Laudatio for Georg Henrik von Wright.
Chapter 4: Tracing in History the Other of History: On Gershom Scholem's Sabbatai Zwi.
Chapter 5: A Master Builder with Hermeneutic Tact: Karl-Otto Apel's Path of Thought.
Chapter 6: Israel or Athens: To Whom does Anamnetic Reason Belong? Johann Baptist Metz on Unity Amidst Multicultural Plurality.
Chapter 7: Communicative Freedom and Negative Theology: Questions for Michael Theunissen.
Chapter 8: The Useful Mole who Ruins the Beautiful Lawn: The Lessing Prize for Alexander Kluge.
Index
