Craig Browne

Bio: Craig Browne is an academic researcher from University of Sydney. The author has contributed to research in topics: The Imaginary & Critical theory. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 27 publications receiving 149 citations.

Two Critiques of Identity: Adorno and Castoriadis on the Capitalist Imaginary

Abstract: Adorno and Castoriadis emphasize the significance of identity thinking to the social-historical constellation of capitalism. Adorno contends that the principle of identity constitutes the nucleus of the capitalist imaginary, because it underpins commodity exchange and the formal rationality of bureaucratic administration. Castoriadis associates the logic of identity with the same tendencies; but he accentuates the horizon of meaning that animates the deployment of this logic. Adorno and Castoriadis, however, recognise that the critique of identity logic confronts a genuine antinomy. Although it is integral to the capitalist imaginary, the logic of identity is present in every institution of society. Adorno’s and Castoriadis’ respective critiques of identity therefore pose questions about the ontological underpinnings of capitalism’s value system. After explicating Adorno’s and Castoriadis’ critiques of identity logic, I explore more recent interpretations of the permutations of the capitalist imaginary. These accounts of conflict, innovation and individualism diverge from Adorno and Castoriadis’ assessments of organised capitalism. Yet, this does not mean that Adorno’s and Castoriadis’ philosophical critiques of identity are no longer relevant, rather my analysis outlines some highly significant, though arguably often neglected, current capitalist instantiations of identity logic. Adorno’s negative dialectics paves the way for categorical reframing of political economy and Castoriadis’ interpretation of the capitalist imaginary has similarly inspired contrasting civilizational perspectives and demonstrates affinities with other conceptions of capitalist theology.

The archaeology of knowledge

Abstract: We may not be able to make you love reading, but archaeology of knowledge will lead you to love reading starting from now. Book is the window to open the new world. The world that you want is in the better stage and level. World will always guide you to even the prestige stage of the life. You know, this is some of how reading will give you the kindness. In this case, more books you read more knowledge you know, but it can mean also the bore is full.

Democracy and education.

Abstract: Course Description In this course, we will explore the question of the actual and potential connections between democracy and education. Our focus of attention will be placed on a critical examination of democratic theory and its implications for the civic education roles and contributions of teachers, adult educators, community development practitioners, and community organizers. We will survey and deal critically with a range of competing conceptions of democracy, variously described as classical, republican, liberal, radical, marxist, neomarxist, pragmatist, feminist, populist, pluralist, postmodern, and/or participatory. Using narrative inquiry as a means for illuminating and interpreting contemporary practice, we will analyze the implications of different conceptions of democracy for the practical work of civic education.