Humanity and the very notion of the human subject are under threat from postmodernist thinking which has declared not only the ‘Death of God’ but also the ‘Death of Man’. This book is a revindication of the concept of humanity, rejecting contemporary social theory that seeks to diminish human properties and powers. Archer argues that being human depends on an interaction with the real world in which practice takes primacy over language in the emergence of human self-consciousness, thought, emotionality and personal identity - all of which are prior to, and more basic than, our acquisition of a social identity. This original and provocative new book from leading social theorist Margaret S. Archer builds on the themes explored in her previous books Culture and Agency (CUP 1988) and Realist Social Theory (CUP 1995). It will be required reading for academics and students of social theory, cultural theory, political theory, philosophy and theology.
• New work by leading contemporary social theorist • Emphasises the primacy of practice over language in the development of human subjectivity • First book to extend Critical Realist philosophy to the human subject
Contents
Part I. The Impoverishment of Humanity: 1. Resisting the dissolution of humanity; 2. Modernity’s man; 3. Society’s Being: humanity as the gift of society; Part II. The Emergence of Self Consciousness: 4. The primacy of practice; 5. The practical order as pivotal; Part III. The Emergence of Personal Identity: 6. Humanity and reality: emotions as commentaries on human concerns; 7. Personal identity: the inner conversation and emotional elaboration; Part IV. The Emergence of Social Identity: 8. Agents: active and passive; 9. Actors and commitment; Conclusion.
Review
‘The ultimate value of Archer’s work lies exactly in assisting us in our discovery journey.’ Language and Intercultural Communication
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