Autonomy After Auschwitz

Adorno, German Idealism, and Modernity

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Autonomy After Auschwitz by Martin Shuster, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Martin Shuster ISBN: 9780226155517
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: September 12, 2014
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Martin Shuster
ISBN: 9780226155517
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: September 12, 2014
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

Ever since Kant and Hegel, the notion of autonomy—the idea that we are beholden to no law except one we impose upon ourselves—has been considered the truest philosophical expression of human freedom. But could our commitment to autonomy, as Theodor Adorno asked, be related to the extreme evils that we have witnessed in modernity? In Autonomy after Auschwitz, Martin Shuster explores this difficult question with astonishing theoretical acumen, examining the precise ways autonomy can lead us down a path of evil and how it might be prevented from doing so.

Shuster uncovers dangers in the notion of autonomy as it was originally conceived by Kant. Putting Adorno into dialogue with a range of European philosophers, notably Kant, Hegel, Horkheimer, and Habermas—as well as with a variety of contemporary Anglo-American thinkers such as Richard Rorty, Stanley Cavell, John McDowell, and Robert Pippin—he illuminates Adorno’s important revisions to this fraught concept and how his different understanding of autonomous agency, fully articulated, might open up new and positive social and political possibilities. Altogether, Autonomy after Auschwitz is a meditation on modern evil and human agency, one that demonstrates the tremendous ethical stakes at the heart of philosophy. 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Ever since Kant and Hegel, the notion of autonomy—the idea that we are beholden to no law except one we impose upon ourselves—has been considered the truest philosophical expression of human freedom. But could our commitment to autonomy, as Theodor Adorno asked, be related to the extreme evils that we have witnessed in modernity? In Autonomy after Auschwitz, Martin Shuster explores this difficult question with astonishing theoretical acumen, examining the precise ways autonomy can lead us down a path of evil and how it might be prevented from doing so.

Shuster uncovers dangers in the notion of autonomy as it was originally conceived by Kant. Putting Adorno into dialogue with a range of European philosophers, notably Kant, Hegel, Horkheimer, and Habermas—as well as with a variety of contemporary Anglo-American thinkers such as Richard Rorty, Stanley Cavell, John McDowell, and Robert Pippin—he illuminates Adorno’s important revisions to this fraught concept and how his different understanding of autonomous agency, fully articulated, might open up new and positive social and political possibilities. Altogether, Autonomy after Auschwitz is a meditation on modern evil and human agency, one that demonstrates the tremendous ethical stakes at the heart of philosophy. 

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Serious Larks by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book Forgetful of Their Sex by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book Colonial Wars, 1689-1762 by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book China's Growing Role in World Trade by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book The Common Place of Law by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book Universalism without Uniformity by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book Building the American Republic, Volume 2 by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book The Three and a Half Minute Transaction by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book A History of the Federal Reserve, Volume 1 by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book A Cultural History of Heredity by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book Thinking About History by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book The Hidden Wealth of Nations by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book Business Cycles by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book A Sister's Memories by Martin Shuster
Cover of the book Nietzsche's Journey to Sorrento by Martin Shuster
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy