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Descent of the Dialectic

Michael J. Thompson

This book reconstructs the concept and practice of dialectics as a means of grounding a critical theory of society. At the center of this project is the thesis of phronetic criticism or a form of reason that is able to synthesize human value with objective rationality.

This book argues that defects in modern forms of social reason are the result of the powers of social structure and the norms and purposes they embody. Increasingly, modern societies are driven not by substantive values concerning human good but by the technical imperatives of economic management, leading to a cultural condition of nihilism that has eroded dialectical consciousness. The first half of the book demonstrates the various ways that social power erodes and undermines critical-rational forms of consciousness. The second part of the book constructs an alternative basis for critical reason by showing how it requires seeing human value as essentially that is, constituted by objective forms of sociality that either promote human freedom or pervert our capacities and drive toward pathological forms of life. The philosophical claim is that a critical theory of ethics must be rooted in these concrete forms of life and that this will serve as a critical vantage point for critical political judgment and transformational praxis.

Descent of the Dialectic will be of interest to researchers working in philosophy, political theory, social theory, and critical theory.

Publisher

Routledge

Publication Date

8/15/2024

ISBN

9781032011998

Pages

248

Categories

Social SciencesPoliticsPhilosophy

Questions & Answers

The book argues for the necessity of dialectical thinking by highlighting its ability to address contemporary intellectual trends and societal challenges. It criticizes the dominance of postmodern and poststructural theories, which it views as eroding dialectical thinking. The book emphasizes that dialectics is crucial for understanding the world as a product of collective human praxis and the organization of relations for realizing ends. It also critiques the limitations of intersubjectivity and proceduralism in Habermas's communicative action, arguing that these approaches are insufficient due to their inability to account for the power dynamics and reification inherent in capitalist society. The book advocates for a dialectical approach that integrates objective rationality with human values, providing a framework for critical analysis and transformative praxis in the face of contemporary challenges like nihilism, identity politics, and the erosion of democratic values.

The book posits that social power and norms play a fundamental role in shaping both individuals and society. Social power, as described, is the capacity to shape the ends and purposes of social schemes, which in turn organize the relational structures, practices, norms, and purposes of social reality. This power is often wielded by those in positions of authority, and it can either promote or hinder the development of individuals and society.

Norms, on the other hand, are the rules and expectations that structure social practices and shape individuals' understanding of the world. They are internalized through socialization and guide behavior and cognition. The book argues that norms can either support or undermine the development of individuals and society, depending on whether they promote freedom, equality, and the common good or reinforce domination, inequality, and exploitation.

Together, social power and norms create a complex web that shapes individuals' identities, values, and behaviors, and ultimately influences the structure and functioning of society. The book emphasizes the need for critical reflection and transformation of these power structures and norms to promote a more just and free society.

The book proposes to overcome the "fact-value" split in critical theory and ethics by grounding ethical claims in an objective, ontological sphere of social being. It argues for a social ontology that understands social reality as a confluence of idealist and materialist categories, emphasizing the relational and practical nature of human beings. This approach allows for the objective evaluation of social forms and practices based on their ability to promote the free development of individuals. The book suggests that ethical concepts should be derived from the actual conditions of life and the ways social structures and institutions shape individual development. By focusing on the ontological status of social relations and practices, the book aims to provide a framework for constructing a more critical and ethical form of social theory and practice.

An ontology of social relations is significant as it provides a framework to understand the fundamental structures and dynamics of human societies. It contributes to the development of a critical theory of society by:

  1. Understanding Social Reality: It allows for a comprehensive grasp of social structures, norms, and practices, enabling analysis beyond individual actions or intersubjective relations.
  2. Diagnosis of Social Pathologies: By examining the ontological basis of social relations, it identifies and critiques pathologies such as exploitation, alienation, and oppression, which hinder human development.
  3. Ethical Evaluation: It provides criteria for evaluating social forms based on their ability to promote freedom, self-determination, and the well-being of all members.
  4. Transformation and Praxis: It offers a basis for transformative action by revealing the potential for change within social structures and practices, fostering a critical approach to social transformation.

The book proposes to cultivate "phronetic criticism" as a tool for critical social analysis and transformation by grounding it in an ontological framework that emphasizes the relational and practical aspects of human life. It argues that social norms, practices, and purposes shape our ontological reality, and thus, understanding and critiquing these aspects is crucial for transformative change. Phronetic criticism integrates ethical value with rationality, recognizing that reason is not just epistemic but also ontological, shaping the world we inhabit. It emphasizes the importance of diagnosing social pathologies by evaluating the extent to which social forms promote or negate freedom and self-realization. By focusing on the relational and teleological dimensions of human life, phronetic criticism aims to foster a critical consciousness that can challenge and transform oppressive social structures and contribute to a more humane and rational society.

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