Max Horkheimer first defined critical theory (German: kritische Theorie) in his 1937 essay "Traditional and Critical Theory", as a social theory oriented toward critiquing and changing …

Dec 12, 2023 · “Critical theory” refers to a family of theories that aim at a critique and transformation of society by integrating normative perspectives with empirically informed …

The central message is that Critical Theory, while drawing from Marxism, must avoid hypostatization and closure into a single Weltanschauung on the pain of losing its “critical” …

Sep 20, 2024 · Critical theory is a type of philosophy that aims to critique society, social structures, and systems of power, and to foster egalitarian social change.

Dec 3, 2025 · critical theory, Marxist-inspired movement in social and political philosophy originally associated with the work of the Frankfurt School.

Critical theory involves a normative dimension, either through criticizing society from some general theory of values, norms (or oughts), or through criticizing it based on its own espoused …

In summary, critical theory entails a structure of ideas that enables criticism to shed a new light on culture, arts, and literature. We have also looked at how critical theory serves as a powerful …

Building upon Karl Marx's ideas, critical theory investigates how societal structures and ideologies may oppress individuals and hinder their potential for freedom and creativity.

The term ‘critical theory’ designates the approach to the study of society developed between 1930 and 1970 by the so-called ‘Frankfurt School’. A group of theorists associated with the Institute …

May 1, 2025 · Unlike traditional theory which aims for objective observation and explanation, Critical Theory is inherently normative and interventionist. It doesn't merely describe the world …