Definition of critical theory

Max Horkheimer, the director of the Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt, Germany, articulated the concept of critical theory in 1937. He argued that traditional theories, such as positivism, had become too closely tied to the values and philosophies of dominant social groups, leading to a distorted view of society. Critical theory, in contrast, aimed to uncover the structures and mechanisms that underlie and maintain social injustice and oppression. Critical theory inherits ideas from Marxism, Freudian psychology, and the Frankfurt School's critical analysis of modernity. It emphasizes the importance of historical context, rather than universal laws, and encourages interdisciplinary investigation. The critical theorist Theodor Adorno further developed Horkheimer's ideas, arguing that critical theory should strive for a "constantly revised self-understanding" in view of its own position as a product of society. The term "critical theory" was popularized by the Frankfurt School in the 1960s and 1970s, as it gained wider recognition and influence in academia and beyond. Its implications continue to be discussed and debated, with some critics arguing for a more pragmatic approach that is less focused on theoretical grandeur and more oriented toward practical applications. Nevertheless, the concept of critical theory remains a central theme in various disciplines as a means to critically examine, evaluate, and challenge dominant societal norms and institutions.