"The Judgement of Paris" is the first book to question the contribution of recent developments in French social and political theory and to deal with its uses. The works of such theoreticians such as Derrida, Foucault, Kristeva and Barthes occupy the shelves of many educated people. Many agree that their ideas are of great importance, but what specifically do they have to say to an English-speaking audience? Sceptics might say that Parisian philosophy is mere intellectual fashion: in the 1960s it was existentialism; now it is deconstruction. Is French theory just another exotic commodity - something to display the discernment of a cultured elite - or does it have something more to offer? "The Judgement of Paris" brings together nine specialists to address these questions. The contributors consider the wider cultural role accorded to their subjects. Besides providing an introduction to the French thinkers, these essays attempt to take ideas out of the academic realm and explore their possible uses in fiction, art criticism, poetry, politics and psychotherapy. Ideas are treated here as live events, subject to different destinies in different contexts.
This significant book raises important questions. What effect has French thought had on our lives? To what thoughts and feelings does it give voice? How is it used in political tactics? What does an English-speaking culture lack which t Parisians can provide? In the Greek myth, Paris had to decide between three goddesses. He chose beauty rather than worldly success. What should we choose? The heightened sophistication and elegance of French thought, or the more practical rationality of English common sense? "The Judgement of Paris" should stimulate readers to think about the choice, and its intended for students of theory in social science, cultural studies and philosophy. "Kevin Murray is a freelance writer.". This book is intended for researchers and students in cultural studies, literary theory and social and political theory.
- ISBN13 9781863730556
- Publish Date 21 February 1992
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 13 October 1994
- Publish Country AU
- Imprint Allen & Unwin
- Format Paperback
- Pages 192
- Language English