Critical theory

The critical theory appeared in the twenties of the twentieth century from the research of the Frankfurt School, that group of German Jewish academics who sought to diagnose — and if possible in any way treat — the ailments of society, especially fascism and capitalism. In this book from the series "A Very Short Introduction," Steven Eric Bruner provides quick glimpses of the pioneers of critical theory (such as Georg Lukács, Ernst Bloch, Theodor Adorno, Walter Benjamin, Herbert Marcuse, and Jürgen Habermas), in addition to many of its innovative works and experimental research. The book also sheds light on a set of ideas and topics that distinguish critical theory from its more traditional philosophical competitors, explaining concepts such as methodology and agency, alienation and reification, culture-making and dogmatic tolerance, non-identity and utopia.