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

• Dichotomy between system and lifeworld
• Debate on the dilution of capitalist critique
• Emphasis on communicative rationality

"The debate regarding Jürgen Habermas's distinction between system and lifeworld highlights fundamental questions about the relevance of Critical Theory in contemporary capitalism. Critics argue that he moved away from the radical emancipatory core of the Frankfurt School, favoring communicative rationality over structural critiques. This theoretical shift is interpreted by some as a retreat from addressing the systemic constraints of modern economic power, potentially blunting the intellectual impact of the tradition on current social and institutional discourse."