Critical Theory

Axel Honneth: justice is not only about shares, but about being seen

The philosopher who carries the Frankfurt School's inheritance argues that behind social conflict lies an invisible demand: recognition. In his recent work he has taken that framework into working life, asking whether democracy can be learnt on the job.

Axel Honneth

After Jürgen Habermas: the philosopher of the public sphere dies at 96

The philosopher who set the intellectual direction of post-war Germany died in Starnberg on 14 March 2026. President Steinmeier spoke at the memorial service in Frankfurt.

Jürgen Habermas

This Day in Philosophy — 14 August: the death of Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht, the founder of epic theatre, died on 14 August 1956. His 'alienation effect' opened an argument, still unsettled, about whether art can make an audience think.

This Day in Philosophy — 6 August: the death of Theodor Adorno

Theodor W. Adorno, the best-known figure of the Frankfurt School, died in Switzerland on 6 August 1969. Nicolas Malebranche was born on the same date in 1638.