On Voluntary Servitude - False Consciousness and The Theory of Ideology

This book addresses a central theme in social and political theory: what is the motivation behind the theory of ideology, and can such a theory be defended? The theory of ideology, Rosen argues, is a distinctively modern answer to one of the oldest questions of political thought: why do the many allow themselves to be ruled by the few?
Rosen clarifies the assumptions behind the theory of ideology through new interpretations of Rousseau, Smith, Herder, Hegel, Marx, Adorno and Benjamin, amongst others, and shows how those assumptions came to be taken for granted. The author's argument is critical but constructive. The assumptions behind the theory of ideology may make it untenable, he argues, but the task of developing an account of political false consciousness remains a central one for social and political thought.

This is a book that is challenging and rigorous, but one that is written with exemplary clarity and accessibility. It is bound to stimulate wide-ranging debate and will become required reading for students in philosophy, social and political theory, and the history of political thought.

List of contents

Preface. 1. Introduction.
2. The Forms of False Consciousness.
3. Rationalism and False Consciousness.
4. Unintended Consequences and the Idea of a Social System.
5. Hegel.
6. Marx.
7. Critical Theory.
8. The Theory of Ideology and Beyond.
Bibliography.
Index.

About the author

Michael Rosen is a Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at Lincoln College, Oxford.

Summary

This book addresses a central theme in social and political theory: what is the motivation behind the theory of ideology, and can such a theory be defended?.

Product details

• Authors: M Rosen, Michael Rosen, Michael (Lincoln College Rosen
• Publisher: Wiley
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 25.04.1996
• EAN: 9780745615967
• ISBN: 978-0-7456-1596-7
• No. of pages: 304
• Dimensions: 154 mm x 228 mm x 22 mm
• Weight: 425 g
• Series: False Consciousness and the Th; False Consciousness and the Th
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political theories and the history of ideas; Political Ideologies, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Ideologies / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / History & Theory, Political science & theory, Political science and theory, Political ideologies and movements