Persistance of Modernity

 In this timely new book Wellmer intervenes in the highly topical debates on modernity and post--modernity. Discussing the work of Adorno, Habermas, Peter Burger and Jean--Francois Lyotard, among others, he offers a penetrating analysis of the aesthetic, ethical and philosophical dimensions of the modern era. In opposition to those who view post--modernity as a sign of post--enlightenment, Wellmer makes a reasoned plea for a re--examination of the goals of emancipatory Enlightenment and explores its implications for the appreciation of modern art forms.

Review: a Albrecht Wellmer is one of the liveliest and most challenging German philosophers engaged in recent debates about modernity and postmodernity ... [a] rich and stimulating book ... essential reading.a Richard J. Bernstein, New School for Social Research a Contributes a good deal to the clarification of the issues currently being debated by theorists of post--modernity.a Political Studies