Traditional and Critical Theory

work by Horkheimer

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July 16, 2026

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Critical theory, developed by Max Horkheimer and the Frankfurt School, is a Marxist-inspired philosophy focused on understanding and overcoming social oppression. Unlike traditional approaches that describe society as it is, critical theory analyzes social structures to expose their claims to legitimacy and reveal how they can be instruments of domination.12

Horkheimer's 1937 essay, "Traditional and Critical Theory," contrasts these two perspectives. Traditional theory accepts existing institutions, indirectly legitimizing them. Critical theory, however, uses interdisciplinary methods, integrating Marxist philosophy with social sciences and psychoanalysis, to critique these systems and work towards human emancipation. This approach aims to liberate people from "false consciousness" and ideologies that uphold the status quo.123

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Max Horkheimer
…of these works was “Traditional and Critical Theory” (1937), in which he contrasted what he considered the socially conformist orientation of traditional political philosophy and social science with the brand of critical Marxism favoured by the institute. According to Horkheimer, the traditional approaches are content to describe existing social…
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…of these works was “Traditional and Critical Theory” (1937), in which he contrasted what he considered the socially conformist orientation of traditional political philosophy and social science with the brand of critical Marxism favoured by the institute. According to Horkheimer, the traditional approaches are content to describe existing social…
Read More