Manchester University Press
Introduction
-
Shivdeep Grewal
Abstract
The introduction begins by examining the background of the European Constitution. Habermas wrote in support of the Constitution from its conception to its end. Grewal explains how this book will go beyond looking at Habermas’s written support alone, also considering the ways that these political writings have modified his theories whilst assessing the state of the EU. The introduction goes on to introduce Habermas’s ideas and the debates surrounding the Constitution before then considering the accompanying context. ‘Cultural pessimism’ in the wake of 9/11 is explored and the impact of changes in thinking on Habermas is evaluated. It is believed these changing thoughts illuminate the era of the European Constitution and beyond. Grewal then goes on to introduce the concept of modernity and explains its usefulness in categorising Habermas’s writings. Habermas has argued that Modernity is an ‘unfinished’ project. His beliefs and aims are further explained; these views justify his conviction in the importance of the democratisation of the EU. Habermas’s distinction between social modernity and cultural modernity is then outlined and explained to be the way the book will be split. Grewal explains how the book will take a hermeneutical integration approach. The book chapters are then briefly outlined.
Abstract
The introduction begins by examining the background of the European Constitution. Habermas wrote in support of the Constitution from its conception to its end. Grewal explains how this book will go beyond looking at Habermas’s written support alone, also considering the ways that these political writings have modified his theories whilst assessing the state of the EU. The introduction goes on to introduce Habermas’s ideas and the debates surrounding the Constitution before then considering the accompanying context. ‘Cultural pessimism’ in the wake of 9/11 is explored and the impact of changes in thinking on Habermas is evaluated. It is believed these changing thoughts illuminate the era of the European Constitution and beyond. Grewal then goes on to introduce the concept of modernity and explains its usefulness in categorising Habermas’s writings. Habermas has argued that Modernity is an ‘unfinished’ project. His beliefs and aims are further explained; these views justify his conviction in the importance of the democratisation of the EU. Habermas’s distinction between social modernity and cultural modernity is then outlined and explained to be the way the book will be split. Grewal explains how the book will take a hermeneutical integration approach. The book chapters are then briefly outlined.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Figures and tables vii
- Preface and acknowledgements ix
- Preface to the second edition xi
- Abbreviations xix
- Introduction 1
-
Part I Social modernity
- 1 Habermas on European integration 13
- 2 Metatheory 23
- 3 Integration theory 33
- 4 Democratic theory 47
-
Part II Cultural modernity
- 5 Rationalisation 57
- 6 Neoconservatism 64
- 7 Cartographies of disenchantment 71
-
Part III Empirical research
- 8 The conceptual landscape of the Constitutional Convention 89
- Conclusion 97
- Afterword 100
- Appendix 110
- References 112
- Index 126
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Figures and tables vii
- Preface and acknowledgements ix
- Preface to the second edition xi
- Abbreviations xix
- Introduction 1
-
Part I Social modernity
- 1 Habermas on European integration 13
- 2 Metatheory 23
- 3 Integration theory 33
- 4 Democratic theory 47
-
Part II Cultural modernity
- 5 Rationalisation 57
- 6 Neoconservatism 64
- 7 Cartographies of disenchantment 71
-
Part III Empirical research
- 8 The conceptual landscape of the Constitutional Convention 89
- Conclusion 97
- Afterword 100
- Appendix 110
- References 112
- Index 126
