Radically Reconstituting the Subject

Social Theory and Human Nature

Bibliographic Data

ID2321300
AuthorsMike H O’donnell (Westminster University), Mike O’Donnell (0000-0001-9002-4214, University of Westminster, corresponding author)
Year2003
Volume37
Issue4
Pages753-770
Publication date2003-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-0385 • E-ISSN: 1469-8684
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/00380385030374007
OpenAlexW2111563643
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited19

This article analyses some assumptions about human nature and subject agency apparent in two approaches to social theory: liberalism, particularly Giddens, and structuralism/poststructuralism, particularly Foucault. Feminist and Critical Theory are also drawn on. Disagreements between these approaches in relation to subject agency and structural influence are noted but an attempt is made to find complementary and common ground and to that extent to reconcile them. In so far as an integrated theoretical approach is achievable from the work of Foucault and Giddens, it is suggested that the term radical liberal best describes it. Nevertheless, this term sits more comfortably with Giddens than Foucault. I seek critical leverage on both thinkers by adopting an explicitly Freudian view of human capacities and a politically egalitarian perspective

Agency (philosophy) · Critical theory · Epistemology · Social science · Social theory · Sociology · Subject (documents) · Foucault, Power, and Ethics · Philosophy · Political Philosophy and Ethics · Political Theory and Influence

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