Critique of Forms of Life by Rahel Jaeggi

Author:Rahel Jaeggi
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The Structure of Immanent Criticism

Let us make a summarizing comparison between the structure of immanent criticism and that of internal criticism based on the structural model developed above.

(a)  We can already discern differences with regard to the three preconditions of internal versus immanent criticism:

(1)  The starting point of internal criticism was that a given situation is characterized by the fact that a norm N is accepted and simultaneously a practice P is exercised in it.

(1')  Immanent criticism adds that neither the norm nor the practice is contingent; rather, they stand in a necessary relation.

(2)  Internal criticism asserts that a norm N is applicable to or concerns a practice P.

(2')  Immanent criticism formulates the connection in more demanding terms: N is constitutive for P and also actually constitutes P (albeit in a contradictory manner).

(3)  Internal criticism states that there is a contradiction between the norm and the practice, or N is not realized in P.

(3')  Immanent criticism asserts that if N is realized in P in a deficient way, this is shown by the inner contradictoriness or deficiency of N and P, and thus by the contradictory character of the practice constituted by N.

(b)  Assuming that these preconditions are satisfied, then the differences between the procedures of internal and immanent criticism can be stated as follows:

(4)  Internal criticism exhibits a connection between N and P and makes it explicit. Thus, it establishes that N is a norm that aims at practice P, or that P is a practice that falls under N.

(4')  Immanent criticism, by contrast, reveals how N exerts effects in P and P is dependent on N. Thus, the connection in question involves a stronger form of mutual dependence and, in addition, one that must be produced by means of analysis.

(5)  Internal criticism points out the discrepancy between N and P.

(5')  Immanent criticism analyzes the inner contradictoriness of the practice P constituted by N.

(6)  Internal criticism demands that P be brought into conformity with N.

(6')  Immanent criticism functions as the “ferment” of the practical transformation of N and P.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.