This book is the first full-length study of the ongoing debate over the status of our "disenchanted" world-a world stripped of mysterious and supernatural forces by the demythologizing power of reason and modern science. It draws together for the first time the writings of various theorists on this theme, such as Georg Lukacs, Theodor Adorno, and Jürgen Habermas, providing a coherent overview of an evolving dialogue, as well as Germain's own evaluation of the disenchantment problematic.

Gilbert G. Germain's profile page

Gilbert G. Germain is Assistant Professor of Political Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island.

"In the worldwide ecological crisis facing us today, hardly an issue demands our attention more urgently than the relation between modern civilization and nature. Germain boldly tackles this issue in its broad political and philosophical ramifications. Focusing on the Weberian notion of 'disenchantment,' his book offers a detailed genealogy of the steadily deepening rift between mind and matter, between modern technology and mastery over nature. An elegantly written study addressed to and deserving a wide audience." — Fred Dallmayr, University of Notre Dame

"The philosophical critique is excellent, of the highest order." — Philip Green, Smith College