Beyond instrumental rationality. For a critical theory of freedom

Estudios de Filosofía

Jana Katharina Funk¹ 

[1] University of Bamberg;

关键词: critical theory;    human freedom;    max weber;    max horkheimer;    rationalization;    modernity;    instrumental rationality;    value rationality;    critique of capitalism;   

DOI  :  https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.ef.n63a05

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This article will provide an illustration of Max Weber’s theory of rationalization with a specific impetus on its interdependency with the development of capitalism. Following Horkheimer, I shall critically draw on Weber to outline a theory of human freedom, showing that rationalization not only implies economic and social liberation but entails a totalizing tendency that invades all spheres of socio-political life including people’s mental infrastructure. This mental colonization can be framed as a process of substituting value rationality with instrumental rationality. I will claim that this substitution can be understood as an impediment for human freedom. Following contemporary theories of action (Anscombe, Foot), I will show the centrality of value orientation for understanding human freedom. Therefore, I propose a critical theory of freedom that centers value rational action as realization of freedom and can be understood as emancipative.

【 授权许可】

Unknown