The article traces the fundamental question that has always stood in front of critical theory since Marx ‒ the relationship between theory and practice. The focus will be mainly on the role of the theory: what is, what can be and what should be the relationship of critical theory (mainly Theodor Adorno’s as negative dialectics) to practice, to context, to the world. This question has faced critical theory since the Eleventh thesis on Feuerbach, in which the distinction between descriptive, purely theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy is reconciled. On the other hand, the main accusations against the philosophy of Adorno and Horkheimer consist of lack of practical commitment, of resignation; here once again that central question will be posed: what is the practical potential and commitment of Adorno’s negative dialectic specifically. Adorno calls for a return to theory and moving away from revolutionary practice, as he believes that in that context (1968/9) this practice is impossible. The question will be traced through the debate between Adorno and Marcuse and their disagreement regarding the potential and role of critical theory.
Megy Popova (Sun,) studied this question.