Critical Theory and Epistemology

This book focuses on Critical Theory's first and second generations of thinkers and Luhmann's Systems Theory, examining how each approaches epistemology. The work opens by looking at 20th century epistemology, especially the concept of Lifeworld (Lebenswelt). It then moves on to discuss structuralism, post-structuralism, critical realism, the epistemological problematics of Foucault's writings, and the dialectics of Systems Theory. This unique work also looks comparatively at structuralism and post-structuralism's epistemological theory with special reference to scientific reason. The aim is to explore whether the focal point for epistemology is that social and political interests form a concrete point of concern for the sciences.