Critical Theory

Those thinkers often associated with the so-called The Frankfurt School offer us many of this century's most sustained inquiries into the nature of rationality and subjectivity as well as the deformation both have suffered within a number of social spheres and across various historical periods. Here at the University of Oregon, one can study those inquires, both on their own terms and in dialogue with other traditions. For example, one might concentrate upon Adorno's Aesthetic Theory or his and Horkheimer's ongoing critique of idealism and positivism. Likewise, one could work between Horkheimer's critique of instrumental reason and feminist standpoint epistemology, or consider the public sphere as thematized by Habermas and Dewey. Or, one might pursue questions in the philosophy of history beginning with Benajmin's Theses, but engage as well Heidegger's history of being. In short, "critical theory," broadly construed, is a living tradition of inquiry at the University of Oregon.

Recent and Prospective Courses:

Critical Theory: 1931-1944.
Adorno's Aesthetic Theory
Art and Politics
Habermas and Foucault
Dialectic of Enlightenment

Faculty:

John Lysaker
Naomi Zack