Elizabeth Anker on Paradox and the Claims of Theory

Literary and legal scholar Elizabeth Anker contends in her new book, On Paradox: The Claims of Theory, that faith in the logic of paradox has formed the cornerstone of left intellectualism since the second half of the twentieth century — and that reasoning through paradox has become deeply problematic, undercutting the commitments to social justice that should guide theory in the humanities and law.

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Music

Musical interlude: “Peace and Love,” by Cat Power.

The Scene’s theme song is “Follow Me,” by Aly-US.