The Right-Wing Mirror of Critical Theory
Studies of Schmitt, Oakeshott, Hayek, Strauss, and Rand
Abstract
What really separates emancipatory thinking from its opposite? The prevailing Left defines itself against neoliberalism, conservative traditionalism, and fascism as a matter of course. The philosophical differences, however, may be more apparent than real. The Right-Wing Mirror of Critical Theory argues that dominant trends in critical and radical theory inadvertently reproduce the cardinal tenets of the twentieth century’s most influential right-wing philosophers. It finds the rejection of foundationalism, rationalism, economic planning, and vanguardism mirrored in the work of Schmitt, Oakeshott, Hayek, and Strauss. If it is to be more than merely an inverted image of the Right, critical theory must reevaluate its relationship to what Julius Nyerere once called “deliberate design” in politics. In the era of anthropogenic climate change, a substantial—not merely nominal—departure from right-wing talking points is all the more necessary and momentous.
Schlagworte
rationalism fascism climate change neoliberalism ontology conservativism continental philosophy political philosophy dialectical critique vanguardism- 1–16 Introduction 1–16
- 105–156 Hayek’s Game 105–156
- 157–182 Strauss and the Vanguard 157–182
- 197–214 Appendix 197–214
- 215–238 Bibliography 215–238
- 239–242 Index 239–242
- 243–244 About the Author 243–244