One-Dimensional Man: Studies in the Ideology of Advanced Industrial SocietyOne of the most important texts of modern times, Herbert Marcuse's analysis and image of a one-dimensional man in a one-dimensional society has shaped many young radicals' way of seeing and experiencing life. Published in 1964, it fast became an ideological bible for the emergent New Left. As Douglas Kellner notes in his introduction, Marcuse's greatest work was a 'damning indictment of contemporary Western societies, capitalist and communist.' Yet it also expressed the hopes of a radical philosopher that human freedom and happiness could be greatly expanded beyond the regimented thought and behaviour prevalent in established society. For those who held the reigns of power Marcuse's call to arms threatened civilization to its very core. For many others however, it represented a freedom hitherto unimaginable. |
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abstract advanced industrial society alienation analytic philosophy analyze apparatus appears become capitalism capitalist character comprehend concepts concrete consciousness contemporary contradiction Critical Theory critique culture defined dialectical dimension domination Douglas Kellner empiricism Eros and Civilization established society established universe existence experience facts fascism forces François Perroux Frankfurt School freedom function Gilbert Simondon Hegel Herbert Marcuse historical human Ibid ideological individual industrial civilization institutions intellectual irrational labor labor power language liberation logic Marcuse Marcuse’s Marxism material matter meaning metaphysical modes of thought nature needs negation negative object One-Dimensional operational opposition organization particular philosophy physical political possibilities practice production propositions qualitative change qualities reality realization realm Reason relation repressive Roland Barthes satisfaction scientific social change specific structure struggle technical progress technological rationality things thinking thought and behavior tion totalitarian transcend transformation translation truth universe of discourse validity