Ideological criticism, or removing ideology from society. Karl Mannheim and Norbert Elias

Journal/Book: Berl J Soziol. 1997; 7: Postfach 300 551, D-51334 Leverkusen 3, Germany. Leske Verlag Budrich GmbH. 183.

Abstract: Although the relationship between Karl Mannheim and Norbert Elias appears to have been one of unquestioning mutual harmony, it was in reality one characterized by a conglomerate of inconsistencies, one may even say concealed hostilities. And yet unity of purpose can be found in that principle which for each uniquely distinguishes their collaboration at university, their friendly contacts, and their academic research work, which shared a common direction. The relationship between Karl Mannheim and Norbert Elias proves on all levels to have been dominated by their will to maintain as great a distance as possible from one another, no matter how closely their paths may have come together, This is most clearly illustrated when a comparison is made of their academic approaches. It is true that the intentions of Mannheim and Elias converged in the idea of exposing the social and historical constraints in the formation of mental constructs; but this convergence served only to further accentuate the differences between the two men. While Mannheim was still carrying out cognitive criticism in the guise of empirical research work, Elias came to apply such ideological, and hence cognitive, criticism (including the demonstration of the transcendental-logical bases of mental constructs) in the opposite direction, namely as a means of determining causal relationships.

Note: Article MerzBenz PU, Univ Zurich, Soziol Inst, CH-8006 Zurich, SWITZERLAND

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