Critical Theory and Libertarian Socialism ― Realizing the Political Potential of Critical Social Theory

This volume in the Critical Theory and Contemporary Society series examines the role critical theory plays in today's political, social, and economic crises, showing how it can help to both diagnose and remedy such problems.

Critical social theory is first revisited by exposing the affinity between Marx's critique of political economy, the critique of instrumental reason elaborated by the first generation of the Frankfurt School, and the libertarian socialism of G.D.H. Cole. This is followed by a proposal for an alternative set of socio-political institutions. Lastly, the conditions of existence required to bring human emancipation as the labour-mediated reconciliation of humanity with nature are discussed along with cases of contemporary forms of resistance, such as the Occupy Movement and alter-globalisation.

By bringing together the concerns of critical theory and libertarian socialism, this volume not only illustrates the practical side of critical theory, but also highlights its contemporary relevance. Researchers in political theory, social theory and political philosophy will find this an engaging work that will stimulate debates about new alternatives to existing problems.

Charles Masquelier obtained his DPhil at the University of Sussex in June 2011, and then joined the Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology department at the University of Exeter, where he taught as a teaching fellow. He is now Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Surrey. His research assumes an interdisciplinary outlook, crossing over the fields of social theory, political theory and political philosophy, with particular interests in critical theory, G.D.H. Cole and social movements.