Routledge: Kľúčoví myslitelia Séria

Roland Barthes is a central figure in the study of language, literature, culture and the media. This title prepares readers for their first encounter with his crucial writings on some of the most important theoretical debates. Tracing his engagement with other key thinkers, it offers a clear picture of Barthes' work in-context. schovat popis

Homi K. Bhabha is one of the most highly renowned figures in contemporary post-colonial studies. This introductory guidebook is ideal for all students working in the fields of literary, cultural and postcolonial theory.

Why think? Not, according to Gilles Deleuze, in order to be clever, but because thinking transforms life. Why read literature? Not for pure entertainment, Deleuze tells us, but because literature can recreate the boundaries of life. With his emphasis on creation, the future and the enhancement of life, along with his crusade against 'common sense', Deleuze offers some of the most liberating, exhilarating ideas in twentieth-century thought. This book offers a way in to Deleuzean thought through such topics as: * 'becoming' * time and the flow of life * the ethics of thinking * 'major' and 'minor' literature * difference and repetition * desire, the image and ideology. Written with literature students in mind, this is the ideal guide for students wishing to think differently about life and literature and in this way to create their own new readings of literary texts.

Best known for his theories of ethics and responsibility, Emmanuel Levinas was one of the most profound and influential thinkers of the last century. In this clear, accessible guide, Se�n Hand examines why Levinas is increasingly fundamental to the study of literature and culture today. Exploring the intellectual and social contexts of his work and the events that shaped it, Hand considers:the influence of phenomenology and Judaism on Levinas's thoughtkey concepts such as the 'face', the 'other', ethical consciousness and responsibilityLevinas's work on aestheticsthe relationship of philosophy and religion in his writingsthe interaction of his work with historical discussionshis often complex relationships with other theorists and theoriesEmmanuel Levinas's unique contribution to theory set an exemplary standard for all subsequent thought. This outstanding guide to his work will prove invaluable to scholars and students across a wide range of disciplines - from philosophy and literary criticism through to international relations and the creative arts.

Focusing on Julia Kristeva's influential theories, this book delves into her explorations of language, textuality, and the complexities of subjectivity. It addresses her perspectives on feminism and sexuality, as well as her insights into politics, identity, and nationality. Through a comprehensive analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of Kristeva's contributions to contemporary thought and her impact on various fields of study.

Widely recognised as one of today's most important cultural critics, Adam Roberts offers an engaging introduction to this crucial figure, which will convince any student of contemporary theory that Jameson must be read. schovat popis

Focusing on key themes in Lyotard's philosophy, this essential student guide explores modernity and postmodernity, the concept of the sublime, and ethical considerations. It delves into historical representation, the role of art and the unpresentable, and the relationship between knowledge and the university. Additionally, it addresses the implications of Lyotard's ideas for the future, making it a comprehensive resource for understanding his influential work.

Focusing on Zizek's key ideas, the book explores his influences, particularly Lacanian psychoanalysis. Tony Myers presents these concepts in an accessible manner, incorporating examples from popular culture and everyday experiences to illustrate Zizek's theories. This engaging guide serves as an entry point for readers looking to understand the complexities of Zizek's thought.

Stuart Hall was one of the founding fathers of cultural studies. This text places Hall's work within its historical, cultural and theoretical contexts, providing a clear guide to his key ideas and influences, as well as his critics and his intellectual legacy.

As the founding figure of the movement known as 'existentialism', Jean-Paul Sartre was a key figure in twentieth-century literature and philosophy, whose writings changed the course of critical thought. This book sets Sartre's thought in context, and considers a number of key ideas, charting their impact and continuing influence.

Karl Simms also offers a guide to further reading, which offers advice on Ricoeur's work as well as secondary texts. Refreshingly clear and impressively comprehensive, Paul Ricoeur is the essential guide to an essential theorist.

Focusing on the work of Laura Mulvey, Kaja Silverman, Teresa de Lauretis and Barbara Creed, this book explores how, since it began in the 1970s, feminist film theory has revolutionized the way that films and their spectators can be understood. It is useful for students of film theory and women's studies.

Jacques Lacan is one of the most challenging and controversial of contemporary thinkers, as well as the most influential psychoanalyst since Freud. Lacanian theory has reached far beyond the consulting room to engage with such diverse disciplines as literature, film, gender and social theory. This book covers the full extent of Lacan's career and provides an accessible guide to Lacanian concepts and his writing the imaginary and the symbolic; the Oedipus Complex and the meaning of the phallus; the subject and the unconscious; the real; sexual difference.Locating Lacan's work in the context of contemporary French thought and the history of psychoanalysis, Sean Homer's Jacques Lacan is the ideal introduction to this influential theorist.

Paul Virilio is a challenging and original thinker whose work on technology, state power and war is increasingly relevant today. Exploring Virilio's main texts from their political and historical contexts, and case studies from contemporary culture and media in order to explain his philosophical concepts, Ian James introduces the key themes in Virlio's work, including: speed virtualization war politics art. As technological and scientific innovations continue to set the agenda for the present and future development of culture, communications, international economy, military intervention and diverse forms of political organization, Virilio's unique theoretical and critical insights are of enormous value and importance for anyone wishing to understand the nature of modern culture and society.