A look at the History and Application of Critical Theory

A look at the History and Application of Critical Theory

Abstract: Researchers who supported the idea of critical theory based their argument on the assumption that there is always a need for criticism in order to promote changes in society. The ultimate goal of critical theory, rather than predicting, explaining, or understanding social phenomenon, is to point out problems and pushing the decision of transformation. Critical theory assumed that the phenomenon is already existed and the inequality can only be addressed by reorganizing the society. This theory is inherently influenced by Marxism and the analytical ideas of Karl Marx. Although the researching process still involves the action of observing, analyzing, but the core idea of critical theory, as its name suggested, is to pursue changes through criticizing. There are six key concepts of this theory: text, meaning, culture, polysemy, hegemony, and ideology. It is because of its diversity that critical theory has very high applicability in the field of social studies and communication. This article aims to present an overview of the development history of critical theory and one of its outstanding applications – reader response theory.

V.I. Lenin to Supplement and Develop K. Marx’s Theory about Class and Class Struggle

V.I. Lenin to Supplement and Develop K. Marx’s Theory about Class and Class Struggle

Understanding the Role of F. Engels in Marxism from “The Principles of Communism” to “The Communist Manifesto”

Understanding the Role of F. Engels in Marxism from “The Principles of Communism” to “The Communist Manifesto”

Counter-attacking the Reactionary Ideas Denying the Historical Mission of the Worker Class in Viet Nam

Counter-attacking the Reactionary Ideas Denying the Historical Mission of the Worker Class in Viet Nam

The Variation of the Concept “Worker Class” in the Ideology of Karl Marx, F. Engels and V.I. Lenin

The Variation of the Concept “Worker Class” in the Ideology of Karl Marx, F. Engels and V.I. Lenin

October Revolution Light up the Renovation for National Independence and Socialism of Our People

October Revolution Light up the Renovation for National Independence and Socialism of Our People

Clarifying the development of the socialist-oriented market economy

Clarifying the development of the socialist-oriented market economy

Communist Review - It is noted in the Documents of 12th National Congress that there still remains several issues that need practical summarizing and theoretical researching for further clarification as regards theory on socialism and the way to socialism. After pointing out the limitations and weaknesses, the 12th Congressional Documents emphasize that those limitations and weaknesses are mainly due to the insufficient awareness of the socialist-oriented market economy. To clarify this issue, it is necessary to understand the history of the birth, development and predicted decline of the market economy and answer questions related to this topic.

Preliminary Research into Social Capital in the Light of Marxism

Preliminary Research into Social Capital in the Light of Marxism