Under Weber's shadow

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Under Weber's Shadow offers a critical evaluation of the social and political thought of Jürgen Habermas, Hannah Arendt, and Alasdair MacIntyre, who, despite their diverse philosophical backgrounds, engage with Max Weber's analysis of late modernity. Weber's view highlights the paradox of rationalization and disenchantment, suggesting that while these processes promise freedom, they also risk entrapment in the 'iron cage' of instrumental reason. The theorists challenge Weber's pessimism regarding political life, arguing that he is complicit in the realities he critiques. They propose intersubjective understandings of the self, ethics, and politics, which open up positive future possibilities. However, the author contends that this shift may lead to the depoliticization of critical areas of human activity and an oversight of the inherent struggles and contestations. Engaging with contemporary debates and literature, Keith Breen provides a thorough analysis of the contributions of Habermas, Arendt, MacIntyre, and Weber, making a significant and accessible intervention in social and political thought. This work will appeal to students and researchers in social and political theory, ethics, sociology, and philosophy.