ABSTRACT

This book uses the philosophy of Wittgenstein as a perspective from which to challenge the very idea of critical social theory, represented preeminently by Giddens, Habermas and Bhaskar. Renouncing the quest for an alternative Wittgensteinian theory of social and political life, the author shows that Wittgenstein nevertheless has considerable significance for critical thought and practice.

chapter |20 pages

Does Wittgenstein Mean What he Says?

The rejection of ‘theory' and ‘explanation’

chapter |28 pages

Wittgenstein's Rule-Following Remarks and Critical Social Theory

Deconstructing tacit knowledge and transcendental rules

chapter |22 pages

‘Free to Act Otherwise'?

Questioning the reality of Bhaskar's realist ontology

chapter |28 pages

Milgram Versus Garfinkel

Are we cultural dopes or reflexive agents? A reflexive critique of ethnomethodology

chapter |25 pages

Habermas and The Idea of a Critical Social Theory

A change of paradigm?

chapter |9 pages

Conclusion