Critical Theory and Society: A Reader

by Stephen Eric Bronner (Editor), Douglas Kellner (Editor), Max Horkheimer

A collection of seminal essays, many appearing in English for the first time, which provides an excellent overview of the critical theory developed by the Frankfurt School.

Genres: Philosophy, Sociology, Politics, Criticism

326 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Stephen Eric Bronner is an American political scientist and philosopher, Board of Governors Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States, and is the Director of Global Relations for the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights.

Reviews

[Nikolai Bayro]

"The concept of reason contains the concept of freedom as well. For such examination and judgment would be meaningless if man were not free to act in accordance with his insight and to bring what confronts him into accordance with reason."

Partial read (Herbert Marcuse. (n.a.). Philosophy and Critical Theory (from Critical Theory and Society))

Marcuse's essay tackles similar issues as those explored by Horkheimer in his seminal 1937 piece on Traditional and Critical Theory. The direct attack on idealist rationalism is there, much more fleshed out and dissected. A wonderful examination of freedom is also added, and the construction of "abstract" concepts in rationalism. Just like Horkheimer, it lands these theoretical constructions into the economic milieu, and makes for a strong defense for the use of Critical Theory to support action.

Great way to start reading about critical theory!

[Leila]

again some chapters for philo. especially Adorno’s society !!

[Shannon Heaton]

Deep read on complicated subject. The reader provides insights as to the beginnings of critical theory and where it might be taken in the future.