LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Critical Theory: Society
built 634 days ago
The most extensive discussion of critical theory is contained in Chapter 15, "Social Theory and the Public Sphere," by Craig Calhoun. He sets this discussion within the context of sociology in the public sphere, where it has been extensively involved in research and policy issues – often providing advice, direction, and justification to existing policies and institutions. Calhoun’s main concern in this chapter is how sociology can provide a critique of society and he presents considerations "for socia l theory as public discourse."
Source:
Jürgen Habermas's critical communications theory of society has excited widespread interest in recent years. The essays in this book explore the research implications of Habermas's theory for the analysis of modern problems of public life. Spanning the spectrum of the social sciences, the essays relate critical theory to industrial policy under advanced capitalism, education, the mass media and consumerism, public participation in planning, policy analysis, and critical historical studies.
Source:
Marxism is one form of critical theory, since Marxism provides a critique of capitalism and modernism. This is the tradition traced by Therborn in Chapter 2 of the text – the developments in twentieth century Marxism that are critical of existing socie ty, both capitalist and socialist. The Marxism of many communist parties and established socialist societies is generally not regarded as critical theory – it is rather Marxist theories that attempt to show the shortcomings of existing society and institu tions that are considered critical theories. Kellner (1989, p. 3) notes
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Society