The Social Philosophy of Gillian Rose

Gillian Rose was one of the most important social philosophers of the twentieth century. This is the first book to present her social philosophy as a systematic whole. Based on new archive research and examining the full range of Rose's sources, it explains her theory of modern society, her unique version of ideology critique, and her views on law and mutual recognition. Brower Latz relates Rose's work to numerous debates in sociology and philosophy, such as the relation of theory to metatheory, emergence, and the relationship of sociology and philosophy. This book makes clear not only Rose's difficult texts but the entire structure of her thought, making her complete social theory accessible for the first time.

""This book succeeds in providing a highly lucid and hugely instructive introduction to the unique and distinctive work of Gillian Rose. Brower Latz rightly champions Rose as one of the most original and important intellectuals of the late twentieth century, and his appreciation will be of interest to those working in social theory, the philosophy of law, and continental social philosophy.""
--Keith Ansell-Pearson, Professor of Philosophy, University of Warwick

""This book offers the most complete introduction to the unique thought of Gillian Rose . . . It rightly stresses Rose's continuity with the Frankfurt school and her cleaving to the inescapability of political and historical exigencies in the face of idealistic delusions that can be covertly complicit with what they oppose . . . At the very least she urges us towards a necessary sifting and Brower Latz's book will help to ensure that we still attend to her remarkable voice.""
--John Milbank, Professor of Theology, Philosophy and Politics, University of Nottingham

""Gillian Rose has long been acknowledged as one of post-war Britain's most original thinkers. In this excellent volume, Andrew Brower Latz meticulously explicates all of the many insightful lines of thought found across her complex writings. Though sometimes critical, he makes a persuasive and eloquent case for the ongoing significance of Rose's contributions to social theory.""
--Brian O'Connor, Professor of Philosophy, University College Dublin

""This is a book of exemplary clarity and comprehensiveness about one of the most important British thinkers of the last fifty years. Andrew Brower Latz traces Gillian Rose's unusual intellectual evolution and patiently expounds her notoriously demanding prose to display a powerful, coherent and enormously timely social vision, much needed in a culture of growing political barbarism.""
--Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge


Andrew Brower Latz is Teacher of Religion and Philosophy at The Manchester Grammar School.