Free About 1 hr0 learners Rev. 2026-10-10 0

A basic introduction to critical theory and the Frankfurt School. Eight levels cover what Horkheimer meant by critical theory and the founding of the Institute for Social Research, the tradition's roots in Hegel, Marx, Weber, Freud and Lukács, Adorno and Horkheimer's critique of instrumental reason, the culture industry, Marcuse and the New Left, Habermas on the public sphere and communicative action, later developments such as recognition theory, critical legal studies and critical race theory, and the main critiques of the whole tradition.

The aim is understanding, not persuasion: you should finish able to explain these arguments accurately, in terms their defenders would accept, and to state the strongest objections their critics raise. No background needed.

Levels

  1. 1 1. What Is Critical Theory? 5-question quiz
  2. 2 2. Roots: Hegel, Marx, Weber, Freud and Lukács 5-question quiz
  3. 3 3. Dialectic of Enlightenment and Instrumental Reason 5-question quiz
  4. 4 4. The Culture Industry 5-question quiz
  5. 5 5. Marcuse, One-Dimensional Society and the New Left 5-question quiz
  6. 6 6. Habermas: Public Sphere, Communicative Action and Discourse Ethics 5-question quiz
  7. 7 7. Later Developments: Recognition, Critical Legal Studies and Critical Race Theory 5-question quiz
  8. 8 8. Critiques and Replies 5-question quiz

CivilSimian.com created by AxiomaticPanic, CivilSimian, Kalokagathia