A crítica de Max Horkheimer

Abstract

This dissertation discusses the Frankfurt School's seminal essay “Traditional Theory and Critical Theory”, written by Max Horkheimer in 1937, with the proposal to contextualize it in accord with the author's personal and intellectual development. The main purpose of this work is to expose the author's philosophical thought and concepts – aiming to obtain critical awareness – for those not initiated into philosophy, in a less hermetic, “less dialectical” and not in an obscure fashion. In this way, demonstrate how historical materialism is converted into transdisciplinary materialism, under the command of Max Horkheimer of the Social Research Institute (IPS). Seven years passed since the creation of the institute and Max Horkheimer's inaugural speech, in this sense, his essay is the result of a series of empirical research, that is, the alignment of a production undertaken by researchers from different fields of knowledge. Max Horkheimer adds to dialectical materialism with his “renewed Marxism” by considering bourgeois science in his investigations. There is a dialectical tension that runs through the entire essay, slits between the traditional method of science and critical thinking, however, the epistemological statute differs categorically. In addition to the distinction between traditional (bourgeois) thinking and critical thinking advocated by Karl Max, it is also possible to highlight three categorical dialectical pairs disposed within Max Horkheimer's essay, namely: naturalization versus history, system versus social praxis and alienation/domination versus emancipation. However, this research project mainly aims to support the understanding of the need for the dialectical movement to preserve, while overcoming the traditional concept of theory, so that it is possible, in further research, to deepen the three dialectical categorical pairs, seen that these are essentially fundamental for a critical awareness of the individual who lives within the bourgeois system of production. It will also be demonstrated, like some traditional sciences, such as business administration, how critical theory has been appropriated, and the way in which these undue “applications” have contributed to the deflation of criticism