The Critique of Humanism

"The Critique of Humanism: A Symposium" is a seminal collection of essays that provides a rigorous examination and rebuttal of the "New Humanism" movement that dominated American intellectual discourse in the early 20th century. Edited by C. Hartley Grattan, this volume brings together various perspectives to challenge the conservative cultural and literary theories championed by influential figures such as Irving Babbitt and Paul Elmer More.

The contributors delve into the philosophical underpinnings of the Humanist movement, questioning its rejection of modernism, science, and romanticism. By analyzing the intersection of ethics, aesthetics, and social theory, the work offers a comprehensive critique of a philosophy that sought to impose traditional standards on a rapidly changing world. Each essay explores different facets of the debate, from the role of the critic to the relationship between literature and contemporary life.

As a vital document of American intellectual history, "The Critique of Humanism: A Symposium" remains an essential resource for scholars of literary criticism and philosophy. It captures a pivotal moment in the development of modern thought, documenting the clash between traditionalism and the emerging modernist sensibilities that would shape the 20th century.

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