Postmodern Rationality, Social Criticism, and Religion (Paragon Issues in Philosophy) - Softcover

Ruf, Henry L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1557788391 ISBN 13: 9781557788399

Publisher: Paragon House, 2005

Synopsis

"This is an excellent, exciting work that performs the invaluable service of situating some of the most important thinkers of the last century and a half in one overarching account of the uses and abuses of 'instrumental rationality' and the consequences for genuine human spirituality and interpersonal relationships. It marks the detailed theoretical payoff on the promise of Religion, Ontotheology, and Deconstruction and on Huston Smith's popular
Why Religion Matters." -David Taffel, author of Nietzsche Unbound: The Struggle for Spirit in the Age of Science

"...should be required reading for all philosophy graduate students. Indeed, it should be required reading for graduate students in both the humanities and social sciences. In clear and concise language he explores and explains the differences in approach and perspective of those of the modern school of social analysis and those writers of the post-modern school of social criticism. Ruf's point that there is much to be learned by reading the works of scholars of both schools... . Persons interested in the history of Western intellectual thought will be well served by reading Postmodern Rationality, Social Criticism, and Religion." -Bill E. Lawson, Professor of Philosophy, Michigan State University

"It is the rare philosopher today who can write such a clear and panoramic study of the relevance of pragmatism and postmodernism for today. This wonderful book will engage the general reader and scholar alike with its accessibility and insights born of years of careful reading and thinking." -Roderick M. Stewart, Professor of Philosophy, Austin College

About this title

About the Author

Henry L. Ruf is adjunct professor of English and Philosophy at Florida Atlantic University and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at West Virginia University. He is the author of Investigating Philosophy and Moral Investigations and has contributed numerous articles to magazines such as The Philosophical Forum and Philosophical Studies.

From the Back Cover

"Henry Ruf s book displays impressive scholarship and lucid exposition. The accounts of Rorty, Derrida, and Foucault were particularly valuable to me. This is an important contribution to current social theory that should help to establish religion at the heart of postmodern theory. The book also establishes Ruf as a major philosopher in the intersection of religion and continental social theory." David Hoy, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, University of California, Santa Cruz author of Critical Resistance

"This is an excellent, exciting work that performs the invaluable service of situating some of the most important thinkers of the last century and a half in one overarching account of the uses and abuses of 'instrumental rationality' and the consequences for genuine human spirituality and interpersonal relationships. It marks the detailed theoretical payoff on the promise of Religion, Ontotheology, and Deconstruction and on Huston Smith's popular Why Religion Matters." David Taffel, author of Nietzsche Unbound: The Struggle for Spirit in the Age of Science

"...should be required reading for all philosophy graduate students. Indeed, it should be required reading for graduate students in both the humanities and social sciences. In clear and concise language he explores and explains the differences in approach and perspective of those of the modern school of social analysis and those writers of the post-modern school of social criticism. Ruf's point that there is much to be learned by reading the works of scholars of both schools.... Persons interested in the history of Western intellectual thought will be well served by reading Postmodern Rationality, Social Criticism, and Religion". Bill E. Lawson, Professor of Philosophy, Michigan State University

"In his impressive new book Postmodern Rationality, Social Criticism and Religion, Henry Ruf gracefully takes up some of the most pressing questions of our age: What is the relation between science and religion? How can we negotiate different religions and cultural belief systems? How can a notion of reason accommodate the differences between peoples and cultures? The breadth and dexterity of Ruf's textual engagements is magnificent. And the clarity of his style and insight make this book not only accessible but also an incredibly important contribution to contemporary knowledge." Kelly Oliver, Professor of Philosophy, Chancellor's Distinguished Professor, Stony Brook University

"It is the rare philosopher today who can write such a clear and panoramic study of the relevance of pragmatism and postmodernism for today. This wonderful book will engage the general reader and scholar alike with its accessibility and insights born of years of careful reading and thinking." Roderick M. Stewart, Professor of Philosophy, Austin College

Edition details

• Publisher: Paragon House
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1557788391
• ISBN 13: 9781557788399
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 280