From Romanticism to Critical Theory explores the philosophical origins of literary theory via the tradition of German philosophy that began with the Romantic reaction to Kant. It traces the continuation of the Romantic tradition of Novalis, Friedrich Schlegel and Schleiermacher, in Heidegger's approaches to art and thruth, and in the Critical Theory of Benjamin and Adorno.Andrew Bowie argues, against many current assumptions, that the key aspect of literary theory is not the demonstration of how meaning can be deconstructed, but rather the relevation of how questions of language and literature change modern philosophical conceptions of thruth. He shows how the dialogue between literary theory, hermeneutics and analytical philosophy can profit from a re-examination of the understanding of language, thruth and literature in modern German philosophy.From Romanticism to Critical Theory will provide a vital new introduction to central theoretical questions for students of philosophy, literature, German studies, cultural and social theory.

Preface and acknowledgements; Introduction, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 1 Philosophical origins, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 2 Shifting the ground, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 3 The philosophy of critique and the critique of philosophy, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 4 Interpretative reasons, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 5 The ethics of interpretation, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 6 Being true, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 7 The truth of art, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 8 Understanding Walter Benjamin, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 9 The culture of truth, Andrew Bowie; Chapter 102 Conclusion, Andrew Bowie;