Not since Raymond Williams' Keywords has a book provided such an essential map to the key concepts which frame our understanding of society and culture. From cybernetics to quantum theory, from ideology to power, from aesthetics to mimesis, Key Contemporary Concepts spans a range of disciplines to provide an insight into the current scientific and intellectual state of society. Not since Williams' landmark work has such an ambitious pedagogical and intellectual project been achieved with the same rigour, insight and breadth of knowledge. Each entry provides a history and current meaning of the concept in question. It then outlines its place in the work of a key author, while also offering an interpretation of the term's significance, both current and classical. Concepts are organized in alphabetical order, complete with references for further research, making this the essential reference for students throughout the social sciences and humanities.