Deep Dive: Critical Theory

Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment. To think critically, you must be aware of your own biases and assumptions when encountering information, and apply consistent standards when evaluating sources. As a concrete example of its use we will look at critical theory on modern social systems.

Critical Theory: Habermas’s critical theory reorients the Frankfurt School’s focus on critique and emancipation toward communication and democratic deliberation. By emphasizing rational discourse, the public sphere, and discourse ethics, he seeks to counter the dehumanizing effects of modern systems and foster a more participatory, just society. His work remains a cornerstone for understanding how communication can underpin democratic legitimacy and social change.