Bad times for Critical Theory?

Abstract

This article addresses the question of what remains today of the programme for a Critical Theory of society forged at the Institut für Sozialforschung in Frankfurt in the 1930s. In a first step, the text characterises in its basic lines the meaning of the notion of Critical Theory. It then identifies some theoretical and intellectual areas in which the themes and problems addressed by Critical Theory in the 20th century can continue to inspire social scientists and social theorists today.