The Dilemma of Modernity - Philosophy, Culture, and Anti-Culture

The development of modern culture along subjectivist lines has led to an analogue of psychological narcissism-to philosophical narcissism-in the culture. The intrinsic value of human cultural activity has been lost, and the intellectual foundation of the modern world-view has been destroyed.
Cahoone carefully develops the idea of subjectivity and narcissism using psychological theory, the dialectical theory of the Frankfurt school, and historians. The core of his interpretive argument is developed through careful analysis of Descartes and Kant as well as of Husserl and Heidegger. Cahoone maintains a carefully controlled continuity between the analysis of philosophic positions and what they reveal about culture.
In the conclusion, he moves toward a recreation of culture in non-subjectivist naturalism. Insights are drawn from Freud, Fairbairne, Winnicott, Kohut, Sennett, Lasch, Horkheimer, Adorno, Dewey, Cassirer, Kundera, and Buchler.

About the author

Lawrence Cahoone is Professor of Philosophy at College of the Holy Cross. He is the author of The Orders of Nature; The Ends of Philosophy; and The Dilemma of Modernity: Philosophy, Culture, and Anti-Culture, all published by SUNY Press.

Product details

• Authors: Lawrence Cahoone
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 15.10.1987
• EAN: 9780887065507
• ISBN: 978-0-88706-550-7
• No. of pages: 325
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 25 mm
• Weight: 463 g
• Series: SUNY Series in Philosophy (Pap; SUNY Series in Philosophy (Pap; Suny Philosophy
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories