The Impertinent Self: A Heroic History of Modernity

The Impertinent Self provides a philosophical and cultural theory of modernity by constructing a parallel between the philosophical self and the hero figure found in certain cinematic genres. Früchtl argues that modernity is not unified and should be conceived as a phenomenon consisting of three strata: the classical, the agonist, and the hybrid. He demonstrates this by following a dual trajectory: the shift in the concept of the self from German idealism to Romanticism and so-called postmodernism, and the evolution of the hero figure in the Western and in crime and science fiction movies. Früchtl takes a clear position within the ongoing discussion in the humanities and social sciences about modernity, a discussion that, in light of the work of Foucault, Lyotard, and Habermas, has too often neglected the importance of Romanticism. Similarly, he embraces the role of film and popular culture in modern society.

Author: Josef Früchtl
Publisher: Stanford University Press
Published: 09/18/2009
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.17lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.75d
ISBN: 9780804757355

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2010

About the Author
Josef Früchtl is Professor in the Philosophy of Art and Culture Research Group at the University of Amsterdam.