Cornelius Castoriadis was a Greek philosopher and social critic whose work is characterized by its extraordinary breadth and continuity. He engaged with diverse fields ranging from mathematics and physics to psychoanalysis and politics. A key contribution is his idea that social change emerges through the 'social imaginary' as a radical discontinuity that must be institutionally established to gain recognition. Castoriadis often redefined traditional terms, inviting readers to a deeper understanding of his specific conceptual framework. His writings have significantly influenced European thought and continue to generate interest among scholars and the public.
The collection features 12 untranslated lectures by Castoriadis from 1982-1983, emphasizing the relationship between philosophy and democracy. He explores how both concepts arise from a self-critical imaginary, tracing their roots back to early Greek poets and Presocratic philosophers. The work delves into the evolution of thought and the cultural context that shaped these foundational ideas.
Exploring the essence of critical thought, this volume engages in a dialogue that addresses its social and political implications. It delves into challenges posed by decolonial perspectives and critiques of ethnocentrism, situating these discussions within the broader landscape of radical critical thought globally. Castoriadis responds to these pressing issues, making the work relevant for contemporary intellectual discourse.
This volume offers an accessible intellectual dialogue on the very nature of critical thought and on its social and political translations. Castoriadis is pushed to address challenges raised by decolonial thought, by critiques of ethnocentrism, and broadly by the international context of radical critical thought.
The collection features interviews and papers by Castoriadis from 1974 to 1997, showcasing his radical and critical political ideas. It serves as an engaging introduction to his thought, highlighting concepts that were ahead of their time and remain profoundly relevant in contemporary discussions. Through these writings, readers gain insight into Castoriadis's unique perspective and the enduring significance of his critiques.
This is one of the most original and important works of contemporary European thought. First published in France in 1975, it is the major theoretical work of one of the foremost thinkers in Europe.