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The Spirit of Revolution

Beyond the Dead Ends of Man
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Spirit of Revolution challenges recent trends in feminist and queer theory that dismiss 'the human' and revolutionary politics. Authors Stephen D. Seely and Drucilla Cornell argue for reaffirming human agency and political struggle against colonialism and capitalism. Through innovative readings of thinkers like Foucault, Fanon, and Sylvia Wynter, the book explores the tension between humanism and posthumanism amid global crises. It advocates for a revitalised 'political spirituality' offering new perspectives on revolution and social transformation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is suited for readers interested in politics, feminist and queer theory, philosophy, and social activism. It will particularly appeal to academics, students, and activists seeking a fresh and critical perspective on revolution and humanism in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.

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In recent years, feminist and queer theory have effectively disavowed both the human and revolutionary politics.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In recent years, feminist and queer theory have effectively disavowed both "the human" and revolutionary politics. In the face of massive geopolitical crisis, posthumanists have called for us to reconsider fundamentally the superiority and centrality of mankind and "the human," and question how Man can presume to change the world by revolutionary action, particularly when Marx’s dreams seem to have been swept into the dustbin of history.

This provocative book reaffirms what is most basic in feminism – the attack on the "universality" and sovereignty of Man – but contends that the only way this can mean anything other than pessimistic rhetoric is to embrace human agency and the struggle against colonialism and capitalism. In a series of "creolized" readings – Foucault with Ali Shari’ati, Lacan with Fanon, and Spinoza with Sylvia Wynter – the authors demonstrate what is at stake in the ongoing debate between humanism and posthumanism, putting this debate in the context of contemporary global crises and the possibilities of revolution.

In its defense of "political spirituality," this book pushes for a new trajectory in response to the gross inequalities of today, one that offers us a very different view of revolution and its present-day potential.

The Spirit of Revolution provides a thought-provoking perspective on these critical issues, challenging readers to rethink the role of human agency in shaping a more equitable and just world.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised by Claire Colebrook of Penn State as "a remarkable book... worthy of the twenty-first century," this work boldly combines theory with practice. It emphasises a revolutionary spirit rooted in sexual difference and queerness without embracing posthuman materialisms. The book is lauded for its engaging and courageous critique of capitalist structures, intertwining political economy with racial, erotic, and spiritual dimensions. Reviewers commend its power to deepen ethical awareness and inspire debates on contemporary global crises.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780745690759

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 December 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 313g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Drucilla Cornell is Professor of Political Science, Women's Studies, and Comparative Literature at Rutgers University.

Stephen D. Seely is a PhD candidate in the Department of Women's and Gender Studies at Rutgers University

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