Profession: Philosopher and Sociologist
Biography: Max Horkheimer was a German philosopher and sociologist, who played a central role in the development of critical theory as a founding member and leading figure of the Frankfurt School. He is best known for his work in social philosophy, his critiques of the culture industry, and his collaboration with fellow Frankfurt School philosopher Theodor W. Adorno.
Horkheimer and Adorno co-authored the seminal work Dialectic of Enlightenment (1944), which explored the relationship between reason, enlightenment, and the rise of totalitarianism. This work argued that the self-destructive tendencies of enlightenment thinking led to the suppression of individuality and the creation of a mass culture.
In his book Eclipse of Reason (1947), Horkheimer examined the historical development of reason and its implications for social and political life, critiquing the ways in which instrumental reason had come to dominate modern societies at the expense of substantive reason.
Born: February 14, 1895
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Württemberg, Germany
Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Aquarius
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