Research On Characteristics Of Social Critical Theory Of Horkheimer

Horkheimer as the founder of the Frankfurt School and critical theory, has always been synonymous with the Frankfurt School, and also he is the most sternest more to defend the school in all the members of the school. His critical theory have a profound impact on afterword.later. The critical theory have very important influence in human society,not only in ideologically, but also in reality.Horkheimer think that the traditional theory plays a positive role in the existing community, with the development of social technology, it will change the old concept when it encounters problems,its nubbin is the acceptance of non-critical of the social praxis. At the same time, the traditional theory is just simply the "theory of knowledge" and lack of transcendent dimensions and criticism dimensions. So Horkheimer proposed the theory of social criticism in 1937, the critical theory criticizes the reality,and bring forward continually new challenges to the existing order and the effort of maintenance of the existing order. Its goal is to negate and exceed the existing order, guide comprehensive reform social of practice,and promote social development towards a kind of justice direction.Horkheimer's understanding of Enlightenment is pessimistic, and he thought the spirit of enlightenment is against his own original intention and become the opposite at the end. Such as enlightenment degenerate myth,freedom become bondage,civilization degenerate barbarism.Not only that, he also pointed the spirit of the Enlightenment led to totalitarianism. Horkheimer also persist voluntarism because of political despair, thought that the revolution is only unconditional obedience, totalitarian state is the era of the future world. In addition, he introduced psychoanalytic theory to the criticism.Horkheimer has always stressed the unity of critical theory with practice. The initial critical theory is very critical, especially that it strongly oppose the existing rule society. However, with the development of society, because of the understanding limitations of practice and materialism, when Horkheimer analysed social reality, his firmness of unity of theory and practice is not very thorough, and his critical theory is merely a theory.From the points of scientific technology and economic, the modernization which our country develops vigorously is a process which catch-up Western society.If we lack understanding and confidence of modern development, then we are likely to re-take the bend of Western countries, thus impeding the speed of China's modernization. In this regard, we can draw on Horkheimer's critical theory to open our thinking, broaden our horizons and give us experience.