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You cannot eat critique: on uncritical critical (legal) theory and the poverty of bullshit

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 00:04 authored by Matthew EvansMatthew Evans
This article reflects upon critical theory, focusing especially on critical legal theory, particularly in relation to human rights. Positing that much critical theory is in fact uncritical, the article argues that critical theory is frequently deployed in such a way as to contradict its supposed purposes of challenging the prevailing order, orthodoxy and injustice, and guiding radical change. It is argued that in deploying critical (legal) theory there is a danger of producing bullshit, which scholars should be mindful of and should seek to avoid. Finally, the article suggests moving towards postdisciplinarity and to greater integration of critique with theory and practice as possible resolutions to the dilemmas and contradictions exposed by drawing attention to bullshit and uncritical critical (legal) theory.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

European Journal of Legal Studies

ISSN

1973-2937

Publisher

European University Institute

Issue

1

Volume

13

Page range

187-222

Department affiliated with

  • Law Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Sussex Centre for Human Rights Research Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2021-06-11

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-06-11

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-06-10

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