The Postnational Constellation Political Essays

by Habermas, Jurgen

• ISBN13: 9780262582063
• ISBN10: 0262582066
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-02-02
• Publisher: The MIT Press

Summary

translated, edited, and with an introduction by Max Pensky Does a global economy render the traditional nation-state obsolete? Does globalization threaten democratic life, or offer it new forms of expression? What are the implications of globalization for our understanding of politics and of national and cultural identities? In The Postnational Constellation, Juuml;rgen Habermas addresses these and other questions. He explores the historical and political origins of national identity, the achievements and catastrophes of the twentieth century, the future of democracy in the wake of the era of the nation-state, the political and moral challenges facing the European Union, and the status of global human rights in the ongoing debate on the sources of cultural identity. In their scope, critical insight, and clarity, the essays present a powerful vision of the contemporary political scene and the opportunities and challenges facing us. Those new to Habermas's work will find in this book a lucid and engaging introduction to one of the twentieth century's most influential thinkers. Those familiar with Habermas's writings will appreciate the application of his social and political theories to current political realities.

Author Biography

Jurgen Habermas is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at the University of Frankfurt.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vi
Editor's Introduction	vii
Foreword	xviii
What is a People? The Frankfurt ``Germanists' Assembly'' of 1846 and the Self-Understanding of the Humanities in the Vormarz	1	(25)
On the Public Use of History	26	(12)
Learning from Catastrophe? A Look Back at the Short Twentieth Century	38	(20)
The Postnational Constellation and the Future of Democracy	58	(55)
Remarks on Legitimation through Human Rights	113	(17)
Conceptions of Modernity: A Look Back at Two Traditions	130	(27)
The Differing Rhythms of Philosophy and Politics: Herbert Marcuse at 100	157	(6)
An Argument against Human Cloning: Three Replies	163	(10)
Notes	173	(15)
Index	188