Social Theory in a Changing World (eBook)

Gerald Delanty is a Reader in Sociology at the University of Liverpool.

Acknowledgements.

Introduction.

The central Conflict of Modernity.

Knowledge and Culture.

Towards a Cognitive Approach.

.

1. Defining Modernity: The Quest for Autonomy.

Introduction.

Modernity's Three Logics of Development.

Integration and Differentiation.

Conclusion: The Time-Consciousness of Modernity.

2. The Limits of Modernity: From Autonomy to
Fragmentation.

Introduction.

Rethinking Modernity.

Autonomy versus Fragmentation: The Loss of Unity.

Beyond the Classical Tradition: Contemporary Theories of the
Social. Conclusion: Towards a New Time-Consciousness.

3. Discourse and Democracy: Habermas's Theory of
Modernity. .

Introduction.

The Problem of Democracy.

The Formation of Habermas's Social Theory.

Rescuing Discourse: The Mediation of Democracy and Law.

Discursive Democracy in the Global Public Sphere.

The Question of Culture and Identity. Conclusion: Culture and
Discourse.

4. Creativity and the Rise of Social Postmodernism: Foucault,
Lyotard and Bauman. .

Introduction.

From Deconstructionism to Constructivism. Bauman: Ethics and
Postmodernity.

Conclusion: Beyond Postmodernism.

5. The Return of Agency: Touraine and Melucci.

Introduction.

Touraine: From Historicity to the End of the Social. Melucci:
Culture, Identity and Change.

Conclusion: Reflexivity and Democracy.

6. Reflexive Modernization: Beck and Giddens. .

Introduction.

Beck and the Risk Society. Giddens: Modernity, Reflexivity and
Trust.

Assessing Reflexive Modernization: The Question of Culture.

Conclusion: Reflexivity and Discourse.

Conclusion: Knowledge, Democracy and Discursive
Institutionalization.

Notes.

Bibliography.

Index.

'In a commanding overview of the dynamic tensions of modernity,
Gerard Delanty provides an incisive analysis of the dominant issues
in contemporary social theory. He argues cogently that the dialetic
between fragmentation and autonomy creates the central aspect of
modernity. A superb study of the debate about modernity, it will
become an essential text.' Brian S. Turner, University of
Cambridge

'Gerald Delanty offers a panoramic view and clear analysis of
late twentieth-century social theory. Interwoven into the text is a
golden thread of innovative and challenging pointers towards the
future development of the social theory of modernity. This book
will be recognised not only as one of the most comprehensive
introductions to the subject matter available today, but also as
one of the most accessible.' Piet Strydom, National University
of Ireland, Cork

'In a lucid, wide ranging and rigorous analysis, Gerard Delanty
argues that to understand the contemporary world we must recognise
the limited relevance of the discourse of modernity and develop the
radical discourses of creativity, reflexity and discursivity. This
book offers new terms of debate and a powerful and provocative
agenda for contemporary and modern thought.' Barry Smart,
University of Portsmouth

'In making his case Delanty offers what is in effect a concise
but masterful bibliographic essay on the literature of modernity
from Tynnies to Touraine.' M. A. Olshan, Alfred
University

'[An] excellent guide to the state of the art in contemporary
social theory ... provide[s] excellent critical accounts of the
evolution and contemporary relevance of modern social theory ...
leaves us with a superb structured vision of the way forward.'
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