Michael A. Weinstein : Action, Contemplation, Vitalism

This book explores the oeuvre of Michael Weinstein, one of the greatest political philosophers in contemporary American and continental thought. The essays are divided between inspirational pieces that illuminate the links between Weinstein and authors within the canon of political theory and reflective pieces that use Weinstein''s substantial writings to push the literature forward. The collection as a whole is intended not only to argue for a reengagement with both existential-phenomenology and vitalism, but also to suggest that Weinstein belongs in the canon of poststructural political thought.

This book is a major reassessment of Michael Weinstein’s political philosophy. It situates his singular contribution, designated as "critical vitalism," in the context of both canonical American and contemporary continental theory. Weinstein is presented as a philosopher of life and as an American Nietzsche. Yet the contributors also persuasively argue for this form of thinking as a prescient prophecy addressing contemporary society’s concern over the management of life as well as the technological changes that both threaten and sustain intimacy. This is the first full scale study of Weinstein’s work which reveals surprising aspects of a philosophic journey that has encompassed most of the major American (pragmatic or vitalist) or Continental (phenomenological or existential) traditions. Weinstein is read as a comparative political theorist, a precursor to post-structuralism, and as a post-colonial border theorist. A different aspect of his oeuvre is highlighted in each of the book’s three sections. The opening essays comprising the "Action" diptych contrasts meditative versus extrapolative approaches; "Contemplation" stages a series of encounters between Weinstein and his philosophic interlocutors; "Vitalism" presents Weinstein as a teacher, media analyst, musician, and performance artist. The book contains an epilogue written by Weinstein in response to the contributors.