Critical social theory is inherently a hopeful project of transcending existing society.

Evidence

When I speak of the broader points of view that must be linked to individual studies, what I mean is that in every question that arises, indeed in the sociological attitude itself, there is always an implicit intention to transcend existing society. Without this intention, although it is hardly possible to describe it in detail, questions will neither be put in the correct way, nor will sociological thinking arise at all. One becomes a victim either of the abundance of evidence or of mere constructs. A certain critical attitude to what exists is, so to speak, part of the job for the social theorist, and it is precisely this critical element, which develops from the most positive thing there isfrom hopewhich makes sociologists unpopular. To educate students to endure this tension towards what exists, which is part of the very essence of our discipline, to make them `social’ in the true sensewhich also includes being able to endure standing alonethis is perhaps the most important, and ultimate, goal of education as we see it. — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 1903

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines the critical attitude central to the Frankfurt School’s self-understanding: the sociologist’s job includes an implicit intention to transcend existing society, born of hope.
• XREF: Directly illuminates the critical theory vs. traditional theory distinction central to Horkheimer’s 1937 essay and the reader’s broader critical-theory project. — connects to: Critical Theory makes sociologists unpopular precisely because it proceeds from hope; Theory and practice unite through a critical act that accelerates historical transformation. — Antonio Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks, 1299; Critical theory has an inner political dynamic demanding concrete positions — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 2671 (+3 more)
• DEEPTHINKING: The claim that a discipline aimed at transcending existing society, grounded in hope, is part of the sociologist’s job—and that education means enduring this tension including being able to stand alone—repacks how critical theory understood its own vocation and pedagogy.

Broader Connections

• Theory and practice unite through a critical act that accelerates historical transformation. #expands (0.78) — Antonio Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks, 1299
• Critical theory has an inner political dynamic demanding concrete positions #expands (0.72) — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 2671
• Habermas sought to justify critical social theory through an epistemological reconstruction of positivism’s prelude. #expands (0.72) — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 2679
• Adorno sought to repurpose empirical social research for critical theory. #expands (0.72) — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 1927