Bøker av Simon Susen

Focusing on the work of Hartmut Rosa, this book provides an in-depth account of the extent to which we, as humans, are obliged to face up to the uncontrollability of the world. Rosa is widely regarded as one of the most original contemporary European social theorists. Along with the concepts of 'acceleration', 'alienation', and 'resonance', the notion of 'uncontrollability' [Unverfügbarkeit] ranks among the most important reference points in Rosa's critical theory, especially in his recent work. It is no accident, then, that - following his extensive inquiries into 'acceleration' and 'alienation' and the publication of his magnum opus on 'resonance' - Rosa has found it necessary to offer a brief, but powerful, account of the place occupied by the concept of 'uncontrollability' in his critical theory. The first half of this book comprises a detailed outline of Rosa's central arguments on 'uncontrollability', before moving, in the second half, to a thorough assessment of the most significant limitations of his approach. This book will appeal to students and scholars of the social sciences and humanities - particularly to those interested in social theory, social philosophy, and the history of ideas.

To this end, it focuses on significant issues surrounding the nature of sociology ('What is sociology?'), the history of sociology ('How has sociology evolved?'), and the study of sociology ('How can or should we make sense of sociology?').

This volume offers an unprecedented account of recent and future developments in the sociology of intellectuals.

Simon Susen examines the impact of the 'postmodern turn' on the contemporary social sciences. On the basis of an innovative five-dimensional approach, this study provides a systematic, comprehensive, and critical account of the legacy of the 'postmodern turn', notably in terms of its continuing relevance in the twenty-first century.