Habermas and the Evolution of Critical Theory (faz.net)

• Rebuttal of the claim that Habermas dismantled Critical Theory.
• Establishing continuity between Adorno/Horkheimer and deliberative democracy.
• Defense against accusations of uncritical state-supportive behavior.

"The debate surrounding Jürgen Habermas's position within the Frankfurt School demonstrates that critical revision of the tradition does not constitute its abandonment. Contrary to the assertions of Gerhard Schweppenhäuser, this analysis argues that Habermas did not dismantle the work of Adorno and Horkheimer but rather expanded it through his focus on communicative action and deliberative democracy. Rather than acting as a state apologist, Habermas refined the theoretical framework to address the socio-political challenges of contemporary society, maintaining the rigor of the original school."