Critical Theory

Critical theory is an excellent avenue by which to examine culturally relevant pedagogy.   Critical Theory emerged from the Frankfurt School of writers formed in 1923.   These writers framed their theories under the guidance of Marxist and Freudian thought (Gibson, 1986).   The people with whom the theory is most associated include Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, and Herber Marcuse. Jurgen Habermas, although not a part of the Frankfurt school, is also well-known for his critical theories and follows the ideas of this school very closely.   There are various definitions of critical theory, however, the one espoused in this paper will be: 

Critical theory questions orthodox scientific assumptions that facts are value-free, and that those facts can be described and examined in language that is neutral and objective. In contrast, assert critical theorists, no social fact is value-free, language is always loaded, and objectivity depends on where you happen to be standing (or, rather placed) in the social world. Critical theory is of a different kind form scientific theory, recognizing, acknowledging (and indeed embracing) commitment, relativity and subjectivity as unavoidable, necessary, and desirable characteristics. (Gibson, 1986, p.4)

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