Bernard E. Harcourt
Columbia University Press, August 2020
Critical philosophy has always challenged the division between theory and practice. At its best, it aims to turn contemplation into emancipation, seeking to transform society in pursuit of equality, autonomy, and human flourishing. Yet today’s critical theory often seems to engage only in critique. These times of crisis demand more.
Bernard E. Harcourt challenges us to move beyond decades of philosophical detours and to harness critical thought to the need for action. In a time of increasing awareness of economic and social inequality, Harcourt calls on us to make society more equal and just. Only critical theory can guide us toward a more self-reflexive pursuit of justice. Charting a vision for political action and social transformation, Harcourt argues that instead of posing the question, “What is to be done?” we must now turn it back onto ourselves and ask, and answer, “What more am I to do?”
Critique and Praxis advocates for a new path forward that constantly challenges each and every one of us to ask what more we can do to realize a society based on equality and justice. Joining his decades of activism, social-justice litigation, and political engagement with his years of critical theory and philosophical work, Harcourt has written a magnum opus.
Available through Columbia University Press and Amazon.
IN THE MEDIA
- Author Interview: “Confronting Theory and Praxis: An Interview with Bernard E. Harcourt”, Journal of the History of Ideas Blog, February 3, 2021
- Author Q&A: “New Book Spotlight: Critique and Praxis: A Critical Philosophy of Illusions, Values, and Action“, Blog of the American Philosophical Association, January 15, 2021
- Author Interview [Video]: “Celebrating Recent Work by Bernard Harcourt”, Heyman Center, Columbia University, October 14, 2020
- Author Q&A: “A New Book Challenges Us to Turn Contemplation Into Action in This Time of Crisis”, Columbia News, October 5, 2020
- Author Presentation [Video]: “Bernard E. Harcourt Asks, ‘Can Critical Theory Change the World?'”, Columbia University Press, September 10, 2020
- Book Review: “Sorota: The Path Forward”, Yale Daily News, February 9, 2021
- Book Review: “Daniele Lorenzini Reviews Critique and Praxis“, Critical Inquiry, University of Chicago, December 16, 2020
- Book Review: “The Agony of Bernard Harcourt”, CounterPunch, December 10, 2020