Full Idea
Critical theory (of the Frankfurt School, outlined by Horkheimer in 1937) is a method of enquiry oriented towards revealing the latent contradictions inherent in societal systems, thereby paving the way for potential tranformation.
Gist of Idea
Critical theory aims to liberate, by showing the contradictions in societal systems
Source
Jaime Edwards/Brian Leiter (Marx [2025], 7.5)
A Reaction
It seems a rather Kantian dream to think that we only need to identify the contradictions, and then truth and reason beautifully fall into place. Presumably the 'true' system contains no contradictions. Do Marxists aspire to that?
Book Reference
Edwards,J/Leiter,B: 'Marx' [Routledge 2025], p.237