New Books Network Patrick Gamsby, "Henri Lefebvre, Metaphilosophy and Modernity" (Routledge, 2025)
Nov 30, 2025
In a captivating discussion, Patrick Gamsby, a scholarly communications librarian and author, delves into the eclectic thought of Henri Lefebvre. He explores Lefebvre's concept of metaphilosophy, emphasizing the relationship between thought and action. Gamsby highlights Lefebvre's critique of alienation and its impact on modernity, linking it to the pursuit of happiness in an age dominated by technology. He also addresses the dangers of enforced positivity and the quest for revolutionary romanticism as a path toward collective joy and self-management.
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Metaphilosophy As Action-Oriented Critique
- Lefebvre's 'metaphilosophy' blends interdisciplinary inquiry with action-oriented critique rather than being a mere philosophy of philosophy.
- He follows Marx's Thesis 11: thought must link to changing the world, making critique inherently utopian and practical.
Everyday Life And Modernity Are Dialectical
- Lefebvre treats everyday life and modernity as a single, dialectical field where routine experience and historical change interpenetrate.
- Modernity reshapes everyday life's horizon, producing new forms of common sense and rupture after around 1910.
Sweetener Packet Sparked A Lefebvre Moment
- Patrick describes spotting an artificial sweetener packet that tells consumers to "be happy," which sparked his reflection on commodified happiness.
- He links this everyday encounter to Lefebvre's observation about detergent adverts and modernity's promises.
