Ágnes Heller was a Hungarian philosopher whose work explored ethics, the theory of modernity, and postmodern philosophy. As a central figure of the Budapest School in the 1960s, she profoundly influenced intellectual discourse. Heller's writings are characterized by an original approach to Marxism and a critical perspective on modern society. Her work delves into fundamental questions of human existence and social justice.
This book, first published in 1983, is a radical reinterpretation of the Hungarian revolution in the context of world politics and Eastern Europe as a whole. It examines the events and protagonists with a fresh eye, and relies on witnesses and participants for the rigorous documentary backing.
Exploring the often-overlooked theme of shame, this collection of interconnected essays delves into its moral implications, distinguishing it from the more frequently examined issue of conscience. First published in 1985, the work encourages readers to reflect on the complexities of shame and its impact on human behavior and ethics, offering a thought-provoking perspective that invites deeper philosophical inquiry.
Doomsday or Deterrence? argues against the majority of premises and conclusions of the antinuclear argument as existed in 1986 when this study was first published. This title will be of interest to students of politics and international relations.
The first full presentation of a fundamental aspect of Marx, the concept of need What are needs? While the edifices of economic theory are built upon various mechanisms designed to satisfy “human needs,” not many economists have addressed the idea of need itself. Heller’s highly original work identifies this lacuna, recognizing the concept of needs as playing a “hidden but principal role in Marx’s economic categories.” Her writing lucidly exposes radical needs as bearing the seeds of revolutionary agency in alienated capitalist society, and reasserts our existence as sentient beings beyond the realm of the material, productive spheres.
Exploring the evolution of the concept of beauty, the book contrasts 'warm' metaphysics with the 'cold' perspective rooted in Plato. It delves into the thoughts of significant intellectuals, including Nietzsche, Benjamin, and Adorno, who contribute to a fragmented yet hopeful vision of beauty in a post-metaphysical context. The work provides a comprehensive analysis of how beauty has been interpreted throughout history, highlighting key figures and their philosophical contributions to the discourse.
Exploring the complexities of human feelings, this work delves into drives, affects, and the essence of "feeling" through a detailed examination of emotions, emotional dispositions, orientive feelings, and passions. It offers insights from phenomenological, analytical, and historical perspectives, making it a valuable resource for those engaged in philosophy, psychology, sociology, and cognitive science.
Exploring the comic phenomenon in literature, art, and life, Agnes Heller presents a philosophical analysis that spans both classical and contemporary works. By examining figures such as Shakespeare, Kafka, and Rabelais, along with the art of Brueghel and Daumier, Heller offers insightful observations that enrich modern thought across the humanities. Her work stands as a significant contribution to understanding humor's role in culture and its deeper implications.
Exploring Shakespeare's innovative approach to time and temporality, this work delves into the distinctions between factual truth, theoretical understanding, and interpretive revelation. It argues that Shakespeare presciently engaged with themes central to post-metaphysical philosophy, highlighting his relevance to contemporary philosophical discussions even before modern metaphysics fully emerged.