Future of Theory

In this controversial manifesto, Jean-Michel Rabaté addresses current anxieties about the future of literary and cultural theory and proposes that it still has a crucial role to play.

List of contents

Introduction.
1. Geneaology 1: Hegel s Plague.

2. Genealogy 2: The Avant-Garde at Theory s High Tide.

3. Theory, Science, Technology.

4. Theory not of Literature but as Literature.

Conclusion.

Notes.

Index.

About the author

Jean-Michel Rabaté is Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. He has published books on Beckett, Bernhard, Pound, Joyce, Lacan, psychoanalysis, and literary theory. His recent books include The Ghosts of Modernity (1996), Joyce and the Politics of Egoism (2001), and Jacques Lacan and Literature (2001). He has also edited several collections of essays, including Writing the Image after Roland Barthes (1997), Jacques Lacan in America (2000), and The Cambridge Companion to Jacques Lacan (2002).

Summary

Addresses anxieties about theory and claims that it still has a crucial role to play. This book sketches its genealogy, particularly its relation to surrealism, philosophy, and the hard sciences. It proposes that theory, like hysteria, consistently points out the inadequacies of official, serious and 'masterful' knowledge.

Report

"As with other books in this publisher s series, the intent is to engage the general educated public in a discussion of meaningful concepts, and Rabate succeeds excellently. For all public and academic collections." Library Journal

"This clearly written, well-documented study will serve graduate students, faculty and researchers." Choice

Product details

• Authors: RABATE, Jean-Michel Rabate, Jean-Michel (University of Pennsylvania) Rabate, JM Rabate, Jean-Michel Rabaté
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 07.06.2002
• EAN: 9780631230137
• ISBN: 978-0-631-23013-7
• No. of pages: 176
• Series: Blackwell Manifestos; Blackwell Manifestos (Paperbac; Wiley-Blackwell Manifestos; Blackwell Manifestos
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > English linguistics / literary studies; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works