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THEORETICAL APPROACH - PROGRAMME AND RANGĘ

A fundamental principle of the critical theory is to establish a ra-tional unity between theory and practice. In the next chapter an attempt will be madę to analyze the characteristics of the idea which, according to this school of thought, is likely to be able to establish such a unity. Beforehand we shall State how the aspiration for a prac-tical and at the same time critical theory is reflected in the views upon its internal structure, and present some results of its application in the research into the contemporary society. In its structure the critical theory is complex analysis of contemporary society, of its basie internal contradictions and antagonisms, and of the possibilitv of their progressive practical overcoming. Such a theory, understandably enough, can only develop within a comprehensive methodical ap-proach to contemporary society, in which revelation of its basie rela-tionships is closely related to the research into various forms of their mediation in all the main spheres of social life. Unless it dealt with the basie social relationships, this theory could not explain the naturę of the whole, the modę of its preservation, reproduction and develop-ment: unless mediation between the whole and the parts thereof is subjected to scrutiny, the concept of the whole would remain abstract and schematic, sińce the theory would lack knowledge about a con-crete modę of relating the generał to the particular. Furthermore, society is a historical totality, constantly changing and developing, giving rise to new needs, interests and contradictions, as well as to the possibilities of their utilization and transcendence. The develop-ment of the theory is therefore not only a result of the progress of knowledge about a stationary reality. Historical changes in society and the new practical strivings arisen therein have also been a vital causative factor in the development of the theory. The representatives of the critical theory emphasise its historical character and demand that it should not restrict itself to the research into current social af-fairs, but rather to perceive in the present time the opportunity for a morę rational futurę. Regarded as a moment in the historical process, designed to elucidate ever new situations and possible progressive prospects contained in them, the critical theory could transform itself into discontinued »diagnoses of time«, mainly of a descriptive character, had there been no firm continuity in broader historical epochs,

determined by the existence of socio-economical formations, bein? historically specific types of society. A morę generalized theoretical

knowledge is possible in this broader and yet sufficiently well-defined socio-historical framework. »The stability of the theory is due to the fact that despite all changes in society its fundamental economic structure, class relationship in its simplest form, and hence the idea of its abolition, remain identical«.^x This is the broader historical base of the existential judgement contained in the theory which must very con-cretely express the social condition of particular historical phases and moments. This is clearly seen in Horkheimer’s comment on the role

¹ M. Horkheimer, »Traditionelle und kritische Theorie«, Zeiłschrift fur Sozial-forschung, Jhrg. VI (1937), H. 2, p. 285.

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