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Decolonization of the Critical Theory

Over 25 years ago, Edward Said criticized the Frankfurt School for its lack of attention to colonialism and imperialism.

What has changed since then? In the “End of Progress” Amy Allen examines the relationship between major contemporary critical theorists – Jürgen Habermas, Axel Honneth, and Rainer Forst – and the insights of post- and decolonial theory. Taking a fresh look at this issue, Allen asks whether critical theory`s commitment to ideas of historical progress and modernity can be disentangled from Eurocentrism and imperialism. Whether critical theory offers resources for emancipatory political projects is not in question. Drawing on the work of Theodor Adorno and Michel Foucault, Allen contributes to the “decolonization” of critical theory by developing a radically self-critical conception of progress.

Prof. Amy Allen: Liberal Arts Research Professor of Philosophy and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at The Pennsylvania State University, Department Head.