The Political Responsibility of the Critic

Book by Merod, Jim

Merod defines the critic as an expert whose authority derives from academic institutions ideologically in concert with militaristic state and multinational corporate interests. He then undermines the myth of the autonomous scholar, showing that this apolitical stance effectively serves capitalist interests. Surveying the theoretical challenges to this myth, he redefines the academy as a site of political activity where the critic's role can be oppositional to institutional power and the distribution of knowledge, though still within its current structure. Merod achieves new insights by reassessing the relationship between research and pedagogy, and advocates a dialectical synthesis of theoretical and classroom practices. A provocative and important text for all people working in the humanities. Mollie Brodsky, English Dept., Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.