The Politics of Logic: Badiou, Wittgenstein, and the Consequences of Formalism

“Very few philosophers can boast, not only of Paul Livingston’s breadth, but of the charity with which he takes stock of our present philosophical ‘situation.’ In showing how this situation ‘counts as one,’ he does not merely sum it up; rather, he produces within it what should be seen as a major philosophical ‘event’.” – Andrew Cutrofello, Loyola University Chicago, USA

“Livingston’s remarkable book admirably demonstrates why considerations of formalism and logic are absolutely central to our understanding of politics…Livingston beautifully brings a series of themes animating Continental and Analytic thought into relief and, in doing so, opens new possibilities for debate and discussion. It is likely that this book will be a key reference in discussions surrounding Continental theory for years to come.” – Levi R. Bryant, Collin College, USA in Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

“The Politics of Logic is a major contribution to contemporary philosophy, very demanding and thought provoking, setting the highest standards for research in modern philosophy, and philosophy of language in particular.” – Piotr Stalmaszczyk, University of Lodz, Poland in Marx and Philosophy Review of Books

Paul M. Livingston is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Mexico. He writes on philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy, both analytic and continental. His previous books are: Philosophical History and the Problem of Consciousness (Cambridge, 2004) and Philosophy and the Vision of Language (Routledge, 2008).