The Discourse of Domination: From the Frankfurt School to Postmodernism

by Ben Agger

The Discourse of Domination tackles nothing less than the challenge of giving critical theory a new grip on current problems, and restoring the left's faith in the possibility of enlightened social change. Agger steers a course between orthodox Marxism and orthodox anti-Marxism, bringing the concepts of ideology, dialectic, and domination out of the academy and making them into "a living medium of political self-expression."

Genres: Philosophy

347 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good survey of 'critical theory' that begins by addressing critiques of the Frankfurt School (and critical theory in general) and ends by outlining a productive postmodernism via critical theory. Some important interpretations and defences of the Frankfurt School, and some well-articulated critiques of certain 'postmodernisms" (that capitalist apologist-types of it).
Agger is a bit too arrogant some times though and some of his remarks are a bit snide, especially concerning environmentalism. I suppose this is a sign of the times it was written in [1992] when environmentalism could be equated with a depoliticized, 60s counter-cultural type movement. I don't think this is the case. I think this snideness detracts from some of the other very important discussions. Worth a read if its subject matter is something you're familiar with or interested in.