Progress and Regression

In this surprising and demanding book, Rahel Jaeggi reframes what we mean by progressive and regressive times in ways that deserve careful consideration. What many tend to call regressive, she argues, is the sudden exposure of the fault lines in progress itself. Thus, only a renewed understanding of critique and critical theory can help us to think constructively during times in which Benjamin’s Angel of History seems to signal a future of cumulative destruction. A timely and original book, crucial for historical and philosophical thought today. – Judith ButlerAn important book by the preeminent thinker in the German tradition of critical theory today. The book is a primer in how to do critical theory with a view toward action. Offering a rare, conceptual history of progress, this book represents a philosophical mind at the top of its powers, at work on the most important issues of the day. The book should be a main conversation piece for activists as well as theorists. – Paul North, author of Bizarre-Privileged Items in the UniverseJaeggi’s proposal is wise, a benefit for all those compelled by the current state of affairs to reflect anew on progress and regression. She argues with precision, prudently anticipating and disproving every possible objection. – Die Zeit[Jaeggi’s] argument is that progress is not a path to a fixed goal, but rather a form of ‘social change’ moving away from a problematic status quo. This reversal is theoretically extremely elegant, as it sidesteps fundamental flaws of the old kind of philosophy of history. – Süddeutsche ZeitungWith this complex yet wonderfully readable book, Rahel Jaeggi addresses the progress fatigue of our time: that while many enjoy the benefits of technological and scientific progress, hardly anyone still hopes for an improvement in social coexistence—for progress in society as a whole. – Frankfurter Rundschau

Rahel Jaeggi is Professor of Practical Philosophy with an emphasis on Social and Political Philosophy and Director of the Center for Humanities and Social Change at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. She is the author of Critique of Forms of Life, Alienation, and, with Nancy Fraser, Capitalism: A Conversation in Critical Theory.

Robert Savage is an award-winning translator of books from German.