MAX HORKHEIMER: CONTRAPOSITION BETWEEN TRADITIONAL THEORY AND CRITICAL THEORY

Abstract

This essay is based on the article "Traditional Theory and Critical Theory," written by Max Horkheimer in 1937 and later republished in 1968 in two volumes entitled "Critical Theory." Critical Theory was conceived by Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno, along with other critical theorists of the Frankfurt School, based on the legacy of Karl Marx's thought. This article aims to present the contrasts and particularities that differentiate Critical Theory from Traditional Theory. It seeks to understand what a critical theory is based on the writings of Max Horkheimer. To achieve this objective, we used as theoretical frameworks the studies of Freitag, who discusses critical theories of science, the cultural industry, and the State, based on the thought of the Frankfurt theorists, and Horkheimer, who discusses the conflict between dialectics and positivism. In addition to these theoretical frameworks, we also draw on the contributions of other critical theorists of the Frankfurt School. The methodology consists of a bibliographical study focusing on Horkheimer's article, based on a conceptual overview of Traditional Theory and Critical Theory. Furthermore, we will present the defining "features" of Critical Theory, based on the principles of emancipation orientation and critical behavior.