Focusing on the modernity-postmodernity debate, this book provides a clear and comprehensive overview of key social theories from Kant to Weber. It expertly evaluates influential thinkers from the Frankfurt School and beyond, including Arendt, Strauss, and Habermas, before transitioning to the perspectives of prominent postmodern writers such as Lyotard, Derrida, and Foucault. The text is noted for its precision and accessible approach, making complex ideas understandable for readers seeking insight into this critical philosophical discourse.
Gerard Delanty Livres






This comprehensive volume explores contemporary European social theory across various disciplines, including sociology, cultural and political theory, and social philosophy. It features contributions from thirty-five experts worldwide, analyzing classical influences and national traditions, making it essential for students and researchers in social sciences.
Delanty and Rumford challenge dominant views on European transformation by emphasizing the need for a social theory perspective. They argue that Europeanization is influenced by globalization and significant social changes beyond the EU's scope. This multidisciplinary book engages various social science fields, expanding the debate on Europe's evolution.
Formations of European Modernity
A Historical and Political Sociology of Europe
This book interprets the idea of Europe through an analysis of its history, exploring the relationship between state, society, and individual. It examines the formation of a European cultural model and its impact on social structures, emphasizing values of social justice and solidarity across different historical periods.
The Cosmopolitan Imagination
- 308pages
- 11 heures de lecture
This work offers a new perspective on cosmopolitanism by connecting it with critical social theory, exploring its implications in social and political contexts. It delves into the complexities of cosmopolitan thought, examining how it can inform contemporary issues and contribute to a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness. The book challenges traditional views and encourages readers to reconsider the relevance of cosmopolitanism in today's world.
Rethinking Irish History. Nationalism, Identity and Ideology
- 233pages
- 9 heures de lecture
This book provides a critical interpretation of the construction of Irish national identity in the longer perspective of history. Drawing on recent sociological theory, the authors demonstrate how national identity was invented and codified by a nationalist intelligentsia in the late nineteenth century. The trajectory of this national identity is traced as a process of crisis and contradiction. One of the central arguments is that the negative implications of Irish national identity have never been fully explored by social science.
This book critically examines the concept of Europe and explores the potential for a European identity within a historical context. It advocates for the development of a new identity rooted in post-national citizenship, moving beyond ambiguous ideas of unity.
Focusing on the concept of Europeanization, this book critiques traditional views of European integration, advocating for a deeper understanding of societal transformations. It emphasizes the need to theorize Europeanization beyond mere governance or institutional frameworks, suggesting that a more nuanced approach is essential for grasping the complexities of Europe's evolution. Through a social theory lens, the work aims to reshape discussions around European studies by prioritizing societal dynamics over simplistic integration models.
The book explores the tension between modern individualism and a longing for community, highlighting how this nostalgia shapes contemporary politics. It examines the revival of communitarian thought, critiques of multiculturalism, and the impact of emerging communication technologies that both fragment society and create new social connections. Delanty delves into the complexities of community in a diverse world, offering insights into its role as a source of security and belonging amidst the challenges of modern life.
Critical Theory and Social Transformation
Crises of the Present and Future Possibilities
- 252pages
- 9 heures de lecture
Exploring the intersection of philosophy and social research, this book presents a critical theory perspective that sheds light on contemporary issues. It advocates for a revival of the foundational goals of critical theory, emphasizing its relevance in understanding modern society. Through this lens, readers are invited to reconsider the connections between philosophical thought and empirical investigation, offering fresh insights into the complexities of our time.
