The Demoralization of Western Culture

(Paperback)

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There is a continuing popular debate in the Western world about values, and in particular those values by which we conduct our private lives. This debate reflects a genuine confusion about morality; it seems that we are more unsure about where right and wrong may lie than at any previous point in our history. In The Demoralization of Western Culture Ralph Fevre undertakes an explanation of these difficulties. He argues that their most important source lies in the popularity of a particular sort of reasoning, a sub-category of rationality called 'common sense' which came to dominate our thinking during the twentieth century. He looks at why this sort of reasoning has proved so persuasive and so much more powerful than the alternative modes of thinking offered by those who want to resist it. Drawing on evidence from surveys, polls, journalism and various forms of cultural commentary, as well as works of social theory, The Demoralization of Western Culture breaks free of the conventions of academic social science, moving instead into the territory of public philosophy. This is a tradition which, the author argues, forces us to engage in ethical reflection as well as the simple evaluation of argument. - Surveys the main schools and theorists of Deconstruction - Establishes their philosophical roots - Traces their intellectual development - Analyses their contribution to the understanding of literature and ideology - Compares their critical value - Explores the critical reaction to Deconstruction and its limitations This is the ideal text for students who wish to understand how and why Deconstruction has become the dominant tool of the humanities.

Reviews

'The seriousness of Fevre's case cannot be doubted. There will be few who do not benefit from reading this impassioned and courageous book.' John Gray, London School of Economics * Blurb from reviewer *
'Timely and fascinating. Ralph Fevre has an enviable ability to get to the roots of some of the central dilemmas of our time. He has penetrating and original things to say about sexuality, rationality and community and about the causes of the triviality endemic in the contemporary world.' Anthony O'Hear, University of Bradford * Blurb from reviewer *
'Ralph Fevre's analysis of how common sense is now destructive of traditional morality is at times brilliant. No future discussion of morality can omit this important book.' Richard Stivers, Illinois State University * Blurb from reviewer *

Author Bio

Ralph Fevre is Professor of Social Research at Cardiff University, UK.