Live Theory – serie

Donna Haraway: Live Theory is an invaluable introduction to the work of this key contemporary theorist and critic. Concise, accessible and comprehensive, it locates Haraway in the context of post-Vietnam US academic life, drawing out the roots of her political and intellectual concerns. The book makes clear the extent of her impact on the understanding of the relationship between 'nature' and 'culture', and how this played no small part in shaping the discipline of cultural studies. In particular, the book explores and illuminates the 'feminist science studies' that emerged from her writing, and her ongoing contribution to it, including the groundbreaking essays on the cyborg and situated knowledge. Haraway's identification of science and technology as being closely entwined with global capitalism is discussed in detail, as is her call for a new form of science that is resistant to any captialist imperative. The book includes a new interview with Haraway herself, in which she discusses the key themes in her work and likely and possible future directions.Donna Haraway: Live Theory is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker within the context of sociology, cultural studies and science studies.

Jacques Derrida: Live Theory is a new introduction to the work of this most influential of contemporary philosophers. It covers Derrida's corpus in its entirety - from his earliest work in phenomenology and the philosophy of language, to his most recent work in ethics, politics and religion. It investigates Derrida's contribution to, and impact upon such disciplines as philosophy, literary theory, cultural studies, aesthetics and theology. Throughout, the key concepts that underpin Derrida's thought are thoroughly examined; in particular, the notion of 'the Other' or 'alterity' is employed to indicate a fundamental continuity from Derrida's earliest to his latest work. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding Derrida's philosophical heritage as the key to understanding the interdisciplinary impact of his project. In the wake of Derrida's death, the book includes an interview that interrogates the very notion of live theory as a way into the core themes of deconstruction.

Jean Baudrillard's work on how contemporary society is dominated by the mass media has become extraordinarily influential. He is notorious for arguing that there is no real world, only simulations which have altered what events mean, and that only violent symbolic exchange can prevent the world becoming a total simulation. An ideal introduction to this most singular cultural critic and philosopher, Jean Baudrillard: Live Theory offers a comprehensive, critical account of Baudrillard's unsettling, visionary and often prescient work. Baudrillard's relation to a range of thinkers as diverse as Nietzsche, Marx, McLuhan, Foucault and Lyotard is explained, and the impact of his thought on contemporary politics, popular culture and art is analysed. Finally, in the new interview included here, Baudrillard outlines his own position and responds to his critics.

An introductory guide to the work of Judith Butler, a major contemporary theorist, this title includes a new interview with Butler. "Judith Butler: Live Theory" is an invaluable introduction to the work of this key contemporary theorist, guiding the student through the most complex ideas of one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary culture. Concise, accessible and comprehensive, the book explores and illuminates Butler's important and ongoing contributions to gender theory, offers new insights into the central themes of her work, and considers the extent of her impact on how the discipline of gender studies has been shaped. In particular, the book considers Butler's intellectual work in relation to issues of sexuality and performance, identity and politics, language and power - themes central to Butler's thought and writing. Vicki Kirby locates Butler in the context of contemporary theorists and thinkers and the book includes a new interview with Butler herself, in which she discusses the key themes in her work as well as future writing plans.Offering a stimulating and clear account of the work and thought of this inspiring figure, "Judith Butler: Live Theory" is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker within the context of sociology, cultural studies, literary criticism, feminism and philosophy.

An introductory guide to the work of Judith Butler, a major contemporary theorist, this title includes a new interview with Butler. "Judith Butler: Live Theory" is an invaluable introduction to the work of this key contemporary theorist, guiding the student through the most complex ideas of one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary culture. Concise, accessible and comprehensive, the book explores and illuminates Butler's important and ongoing contributions to gender theory, offers new insights into the central themes of her work, and considers the extent of her impact on how the discipline of gender studies has been shaped. In particular, the book considers Butler's intellectual work in relation to issues of sexuality and performance, identity and politics, language and power - themes central to Butler's thought and writing. Vicki Kirby locates Butler in the context of contemporary theorists and thinkers and the book includes a new interview with Butler herself, in which she discusses the key themes in her work as well as future writing plans.Offering a stimulating and clear account of the work and thought of this inspiring figure, "Judith Butler: Live Theory" is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker within the context of sociology, cultural studies, literary criticism, feminism and philosophy.

This is an introductory guide to the work of a major contemporary theorist that includes an interview with Spivak herself. "Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak: Live Theory" offers a concise, comprehensive and accessible introduction to the themes central to the thought of one of the world's most provocative and original theorists. The book concentrates on Spivak's engagement, in theory and practice, with deconstruction, Marxism, feminism, and issues of postcoloniality and globalization, and makes clear the extent of her impact in the fields of postcolonial and literary theory. In this engaging and stimulating book, Mark Sanders explores the questions Spivak has posed with increasing regularity in recent years: What is the responsibility in today's world of the literary reader? What specifically does a training in the literary habit of reading bring to political and intellectual responsibility? Can reading lead to a responsible form of global or transnational literacy? The book includes a new interview with Spivak herself, in which she discusses the key themes in her work as well as future writing plans."Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak: Live Theory" is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker.

This is an introductory guide to the work of a major contemporary theorist that includes an interview with Spivak herself. "Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak: Live Theory" offers a concise, comprehensive and accessible introduction to the themes central to the thought of one of the world's most provocative and original theorists. The book concentrates on Spivak's engagement, in theory and practice, with deconstruction, Marxism, feminism, and issues of postcoloniality and globalization, and makes clear the extent of her impact in the fields of postcolonial and literary theory. In this engaging and stimulating book, Mark Sanders explores the questions Spivak has posed with increasing regularity in recent years: What is the responsibility in today's world of the literary reader? What specifically does a training in the literary habit of reading bring to political and intellectual responsibility? Can reading lead to a responsible form of global or transnational literacy? The book includes a new interview with Spivak herself, in which she discusses the key themes in her work as well as future writing plans."Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak: Live Theory" is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker.

This innovative introductory text not only clearly explains Kristeva's most difficult ideas, but also provides new insights into her work. All Kristeva's key concepts are clearly explained, and new interpretations are offered of the "chora," "Oedipus" and "abjection," as well as "revolt" and the "feminine genius." Kristeva's intellectual development is set in historical and political context and the creative power of her work is also highlighted. Finally, the original interview reveals Kristeva's true intellectual and political aspirations.

Helene Cixous: Live Theory provides a clear and informative introduction to one of the most important and influential European writers working today. The book opens with an overview of the key features of Cixous's theory of ecriture feminine (feminine writing). The various manifestations of ecriture feminine are then explored in chapters on Cixous's fictional and theatrical writing, her philosophical essays, and her intensely personal approach to literary criticism. The book concludes with a new, lively and wide-ranging interview with Helene Cixous in which she discusses her influences and inspirations, and her thoughts on the nature of writing and the need for an ethical relationship with the world. Also offering a survey of the many English translations of Cixous's work, this book is an indispensable introduction to her work for students of Literature, Philosophy, Cultural and Gender Studies.

Helene Cixous: Live Theory provides a clear and informative introduction to one of the most important and influential European writers working today. The book opens with an overview of the key features of Cixous's theory of ecriture feminine (feminine writing). The various manifestations of ecriture feminine are then explored in chapters on Cixous's fictional and theatrical writing, her philosophical essays, and her intensely personal approach to literary criticism. The book concludes with a new, lively and wide-ranging interview with Helene Cixous in which she discusses her influences and inspirations, and her thoughts on the nature of writing and the need for an ethical relationship with the world. Also offering a survey of the many English translations of Cixous's work, this book is an indispensable introduction to her work for students of Literature, Philosophy, Cultural and Gender Studies.

Slavoj Zizek is undoubtedly one of the worlds leading cultural critics. His witty, psychoanalytically-inspired analyses of contemporary society have almost single-handedly revived the notion of ideology. His brilliant commentaries on the French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and the 19th century German Idealists have brought alive their often difficult ideas for a new generation of readers. But does Zizek have anything to say in his own right? Is there a system of thought that we can properly call Zizekian? This book argues that there is, through a reading of two terms in his work-the master-signifier and the act. Featuring an interview with Zizek himself, Slavoj Zizek: Live Theory presents a snapshot of the Zizek system ideal for undergraduates in social and cultural theory and philosophy.

Widely regarded as one of America's most important cultural theorists, Fredric Jameson has been at the forefront of the field of literary and cultural studies since the early 1970s. Author of The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act and Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism, Jameson is without doubt one of the leading intellectuals of our time. Fredric Jameson: Live Theory offers an invaluable and highly accessible introduction to the work of this important thinker. Ian Buchanan explores and illuminates how Jameson forms his concepts and how they operate, providing a fascinating account of Jameson's important and ongoing contributions to Critical Theory. The book provides a clear sense of his overall project and the marvellous productivity of his thinking. Motivated by a desire to inaugurate social change by illuminating the obstacles standing in its way, the aim of Jameson's work is to dishabituate us from the comfortable feeling that modern life is enhanced by the global grip of capitalism.The book concludes with a new interview with Jameson himself, in which he discusses the key themes and issues in his work and future directions for the Jamesonian project. Thematically organised, clear and accessible, Fredric Jameson: Live Theory is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker.

Widely regarded as one of America's most important cultural theorists, Fredric Jameson has been at the forefront of the field of literary and cultural studies since the early 1970s. Author of "The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act and Postmodernism or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism", Jameson is without doubt one of the leading intellectuals of our time. "Fredric Jameson: Live Theory" offers an invaluable and highly accessible introduction to the work of this important thinker. Ian Buchanan explores and illuminates how Jameson forms his concepts and how they operate, providing a fascinating account of Jameson's important and ongoing contributions to Critical Theory. The book provides a clear sense of his overall project and the marvellous productivity of his thinking. Motivated by a desire to inaugurate social change by illuminating the obstacles standing in its way, the aim of Jameson's work is to dishabituate us from the comfortable feeling that modern life is enhanced by the global grip of capitalism.The book concludes with a new interview with Jameson himself, in which he discusses the key themes and issues in his work and future directions for the Jamesonian project. Thematically organised, clear and accessible, "Fredric Jameson: Live Theory" is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker.

Alain Badiou is undoubtedly the most exciting and influential voice in contemporary French philosophy and one of the most important theorists at work today. His impact on continental philosophy and the wider philosophy community, politics and the arts in the last twenty years has been immense. Alain Badiou: Live Theory offers a concise and accessible introduction to his work and thought, laying out the central themes of his major works, including his magnum opus, Being and Event, and its long-awaited sequel, Logics of Worlds. Oliver Feltham explores the fundamental questions through which Badiou's philosophy constantly evolves, identifies the key turning points in his ideas, and makes a clear case for the coherence and powerful singularity of his thought when employed in the analysis of political and artistic situations. Feltham examines the thinkers and theorists with whom Badiou has engaged and who have engaged with him, arguing that Badiou's work is compelling precisely because it opens up new genealogies and new polemics in the intellectual landscape. The book includes a brand new interview with Badiou, in which he discusses his current concerns and future plans.This is the ideal companion to study for students and readers encountering this fascinating thinker for the first time.

This title is a concise and accessible introduction to this key theorist.Alain Badiou is undoubtedly the most exciting and influential voice in contemporary French philosophy and one of the most important theorists at work today. His impact on continental philosophy and the wider philosophy community, politics and the arts in the last twenty years has been immense."Alain Badiou: Live Theory" offers a concise and accessible introduction to his work and thought, laying out the central themes of his major works, including his magnum opus, "Being and Event", and its long-awaited sequel, "Logics of Worlds". Oliver Feltham explores the fundamental questions through which Badiou's philosophy constantly evolves, identifies the key turning points in his ideas, and makes a clear case for the coherence and powerful singularity of his thought when employed in the analysis of political and artistic situations. Feltham examines the thinkers and theorists with whom Badiou has engaged and who have engaged with him, arguing that Badiou's work is exciting precisely because it opens up new genealogies and new polemics in the intellectual landscape.The book includes a brand new interview with Badiou, in which he discusses his current concerns and future plans.This is the ideal companion to study for students and readers encountering this fascinating thinker for the first time.

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak: Live Theory offers a concise, comprehensive and accessible introduction to the themes central to the thought of one of the world's most provocative and original theorists. The book concentrates on Spivak's engagement, in theory and practice, with deconstruction, Marxism, feminism, and issues of postcoloniality and globalization, and makes clear the extent of her impact in the fields of postcolonial and literary theory. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak: Live Theory is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker.

Jean Baudrillard's work on how contemporary society is dominated by the mass media has become extraordinarily influential. He is notorious for arguing that there is no real world, only simulations which have altered what events mean, and that only violent symbolic exchange can prevent the world becoming a total simulation.An ideal introduction to this most singular cultural critic and philosopher, Jean Baudrillard: live theory offers a comprehensive, critical account of Baudrillard's unsettling, visionary and often prescient work. Baudrillard's relation to a range of theorists as diverse as Nietzsche, Marx, McLuhan, Foucault and Lyotard is explained, and the impact of his thought on contemporary politics, popular culture and art is analyzed. Finally, in the new interview included here, Baudrillard outlines his own position and responds to his critics.

An introductory guide to the work of Judith Butler, a major contemporary theorist, this title includes a new interview with Butler. Judith Butler: Live Theory is an invaluable introduction to the work of this key contemporary theorist, guiding the student through the most complex ideas of one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary culture. Concise, accessible and comprehensive, the book explores and illuminates Butler's important and ongoing contributions to gender theory, offers new insights into the central themes of her work, and considers the extent of her impact on how the discipline of gender studies has been shaped. In particular, the book considers Butler's intellectual work in relation to issues of sexuality and performance, identity and politics, language and power - themes central to Butler's thought and writing. Vicki Kirby locates Butler in the context of contemporary theorists and thinkers and the book includes a new interview with Butler herself, in which she discusses the key themes in her work as well as future writing plans. Offering a stimulating and clear account of the work and thought of this inspiring figure, Judith Butler: Live Theory is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker within the context of sociology, cultural studies, literary criticism, feminism and philosophy.

Jacques Derrida: Live Theory is a new introduction to the work of this most influential of contemporary philosophers. It covers Derrida's corpus in its entirety - from his earliest work in phenomenology and the philosophy of language, to his most recent work in ethics, politics and religion. It investigates Derrida's contribution to, and impact upon such disciplines as philosophy, literary theory, cultural studies, aesthetics and theology. Throughout, the key concepts that underpin Derrida's thought are thoroughly examined; in particular, the notion of 'the Other' or 'alterity' is employed to indicate a fundamental continuity from Derrida's earliest to his latest work.The text emphasizes the importance of understanding Derrida's philosophical heritage as the key to understanding the interdisciplinary impact of his project. In the wake of Derrida's death, the book includes an "interview" that interrogates the very notion of "live" theory as a way into the core themes of deconstruction.

Widely regarded as one of America's most important cultural theorists, Fredric Jameson has been at the forefront of the field of literary and cultural studies since the early 1970s. Author of The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act and Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism, Jameson is without doubt one of the leading intellectuals of our time. Fredric Jameson: Live Theory offers an invaluable and highly accessible introduction to the work of this important thinker. Ian Buchanan explores and illuminates how Jameson forms his concepts and how they operate, providing a fascinating account of Jameson's important and ongiong contributions to Critical Theory. The book provides a clear sense of his overall project and the marvellous productivity of his thinking. Motivated by a desire to inaugurate social change by illuminating the obstacles standing in its way, the aim of Jameson's work is to dishabituate us from the comfortable feeling that modern life is enhanced by the global grip of capitalism. The book concludes with a new interview with Jameson himself, in which he discusses the key themes and issues in his work and future directions for the Jamesonian project. Thematically organised, clear and accessible, Fredric Jameson: Live Theory is a key resource for anyone studying this pioneering thinker.