The Critical Theory of the Frankfurt School

The course introduces students into the ideas of the unorthodox Marxian thinkers of the Frankfurt School. Generally regarded as e an undogmatic movement in Marxist theory, thinkers of the Frankfurt School developed Critical Theory which seeks to critically examine capitalist society, while giving up Marx's idea of proletarian revolution. Students will encounter a variety of texts of the leading figures of the School: Max Horkheimer, Theodor W. Adorno, Walter Benjamin, Jürgen Habermas, and Axel Honneth. Since these philosophers were convinced that late capitalist society can only be understood in an interdisciplinary approach, the course will also have interdisciplinary character with discussions in social theory, psychoanalysis, and cultural studies.

Learning outcomes: By the end of this course, students will have gained a good grounding in the critical theory of Frankfurt School as well as the ability to see their virtues and shortcomings. The course endeavors to provide a better understanding of the complex problems discussed in the writings of Critical Theory such as reification, culture industry, critical theory, and emancipation, while it also offers an up-to-date overview of the Western development of Marxism within the context of Continental Philosophy in the 20th century. Students will also have become more skilled readers of difficult, older texts. They will have further developed their argumentation and writing skills and become better able to articulate their own positions on the key questions.