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The Relationship Between Marxism and Critical Theory
Critical theory is essentially a self-conscious version of Marxism that has undergone self-criticism and adaptation to modern conditions. Mark Housa, a key figure in critical theory, recognized the limitations of Orthodox Marxism in the West and particularly in the United States due to a strong middle class immersed in false consciousness and material abundance. Critical theory retains the core Marxist principles while reinterpreting and discarding elements deemed irrelevant. It aims to achieve success in the Western context by learning from the failures of Soviet Marxism. The essence of critical theory lies in its critical approach towards existing institutions, embodying what Mark Housa referred to as 'the power of negative thinking' and 'the critique of all existing institutions.' Consequently, critical theory has diversified into various sub-disciplines within academia while maintaining a pervasive influence in reshaping scholarly perspectives.