O projeto inacabado da teoria crítica: a teoria social de Max Horkheimer

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to understand the relations and limits between epistemology, normativity and critique having as its object the critical theory of Max Horkheimer. To that extent, it is first established a theoretical connection that stems from Hegel to Marx in order to bring to light Horkheimer’s critical theory inherited epistemological basis. Secondly, it is shown how the epistemological grounding of the theory affects its diagnosis of the social world and the relation between philosophy and sociology. Thirdly, it is established a broad conception of normativity deducing its main elements from Horkheimer’s critical theory. The conception of normativity which I seek to expose in this dissertation has its locus at the intersection between philosophy of knowledge, moral philosophy, and social sciences. As I argue, there is a pre- eminence in the critical theory of Max Horkheimer of the philosophical assumptions over the sociological research, which generates internal contradictions that are reflected on the conception both of what “is” and what “ought” to be. These contradictions also misplace the role of sociology and its potential contributions to the understanding and postulating of normativity. In addition, I postulate that the source of normativity, its underlying principles and constituting elements, are identical to the source of critique in the critical theory, i.e., they share the same constitution or percourse that should be taken in order to satisfy both the theoretical and empirical justification of its formulation.