Critical Theory and Social Suffering in Max Horkheimer

Authors

  • Camilo Sembler J. W. Goethe Universität, Frankfurt am Main

Keywords:

Critical Theory, social suffering, Max Horkheimer

Abstract

This article examines the problem of social suffering in Max Horkheimer's early writings. It is argued, in the first place, that his early materialist critique of metaphysics (which is the basis of his original notion of critical theory) is based on an interpretation of suffering as unjustifiable social experience. Secondly, this article examines the idea of materialist critique of suffering as philosophical reflection that aims to express in its conceptual structure itself both the experiences of social suffering and the historical struggles for its emancipation. Finally, the article points out the relevance of a critique of suffering to build the foundations of a contemporary critical theory.

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Published

2016-02-17

How to Cite

Sembler, C. (2016). Critical Theory and Social Suffering in Max Horkheimer. Constelaciones. Revista De Teoría Crítica, 5(5), 260–279. Retrieved from https://constelaciones-rtc.net/article/view/826