The book presents the social philosophy of the founder of the Frankfurt School in context. From the systematic center of his critical theory, its different focal points are developed through central concepts. The underlying thesis is: There are transformations in Horkheimer's philosophy, but also a consistent theme, namely the self-contradiction of bourgeois society. According to Horkheimer, the historical "unfolding of human powers" and the "emancipation of the individual," as well as the "enormous expansion of human power over nature," are promoted by the economic structure of bourgeois society—while simultaneously being inhibited in such a way that "humanity is heading towards a new barbarism." Against this backdrop, the book addresses contemporary social antagonisms and the problematic relationship with nature. The final chapter discusses various interpretations of Horkheimer's overall work.

The Content

• Introduction: Revolution and Transcendence
• History
• Society
• Reason
• Final Consideration: Readings of the Social Philosophy of Max Horkheimer

The Author

Dr. Gerhard Schweppenhäuser is a professor of design, communication, and media theory at the Faculty of Design at the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt and honorary senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Kassel.

The translation was done with the help of artificial intelligence. A subsequent human revision was done primarily in terms of content.