Alienation (Psychology Library Editions: Social Psychology) - Softcover

Schacht, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 113888975X ISBN 13: 9781138889750

Publisher: Psychology Press, 2017

Synopsis

First published in 1970, original blurb:

‘Alienation’ is the catchword of our time. It has been applied to everything from the new politics to the anti-heroes of today’s films. But what does it mean to say that someone is alienated? Is alienation a state of mind, or a relationship? If modern man is indeed alienated, is it from his work, his government, his society, or himself – or from all of these?

Richard Schacht, in this intelligent analysis, gets to the root of these questions. Examining the concept of alienation in the works of Hegel and Marx, he gives a clear account of the origins of the modern usage of the term. Among the many insights to be gained from this analysis is a clear understanding of Hegel’s influence on Marx in this most crucial area. Mr Schacht goes on to discuss the concept of alienation in recent philosophical and sociological literature, particularly in the writings of Erich Fromm. Here he finds a great deal of confusion, which has resulted in a series of almost universally unquestioned misconceptions.

This, then, is a book for all of us who use – and mis-use – the term ‘alienation’, and who are interested in the concepts it brings to mind. The arguments of Professor Walter Kaufmann’s introductory essay provide a useful background for Mr Schacht’s analysis. In this essay, Professor Kaufmann states that ‘henceforth nobody should write about alienation without first reading Schacht’s book.’

About this title

About the Author:

Richard Schacht is Professor of Philosophy and Jubilee Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Emeritus) at the University of Illinois. His books include Nietzsche (1983); Making Sense of Nietzsche (1995); Hegel and After (1975); Alienation (1970); The Future of Alienation (1994); and Finding an Ending: Reflections on Wagner's Ring (2004, with Philip Kitcher). He is editor of Nietzsche: Selections (1993); Nietzsche, Genealogy, Morality (1994); and Nietzsche's Postmoralism (2001).

About this edition

• Publisher: Psychology Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 113888975X
• ISBN 13: 9781138889750
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 356