Praxis and Action: Contemporary Philosophies of Human Activity

by Richard J. Bernstein

From the

This inquiry is concerned with the themes of praxis and action in four philosophic Marxism, existentialism, pragmatism, and analytic philosophy. It is rare that these four movements are considered in a single inquiry, for there are profound differences of emphasis, focus, terminology, and approach represented by these styles of thought. Many philosophers believe that similarities among these movements are superficial and that a close examination of them will reveal only hopelessly unbridgeable cleavages. While respecting the genuine fundamental differences of these movements, this inquiry is undertaken in the spirit of showing that there are important common themes and motifs in what first appears to be a chaotic babble of voices. I intend to show that the concern with man as an agent has been a primary focal point of each of these movements and further that each contributes something permanent and important to our understanding of the nature and context of human activity.

Genres: Philosophy

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1971

Reviews

[Maughn Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant genealogy of the concepts of praxis and action, focusing on Marxism, Existentialism, Pragmatism, and Analytic Philosophy -- all in relation to Hegel. In tracing this genealogy Bernstein gives a brief history of each of those movements, and relates them together in their common philosophical stance on the centrality of action to what it means to be human (in particular, how action may and may not relieve human alienation, Unhappy Consciousness and nihilism), and their common meta-philosophical stance on the nature of philosophical practice.

[Ankh156 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Will read it again.

[Mariana Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in uni
Really want to re-read