From a Contemplative to a Critical Attitude: Lukács, Foucault, and the Partisanship of Critical Theory

Abstract: The objective of critical theory is to advocate for emancipatory social transformation. The partisanship of contemporary critical theory has become increasingly unclear over time, however. This article proposes to restore critical theory’s alignment with ongoing social struggles, rather than grounding it in normative social theory. To revive critical theory’s partisan orientation, I draw on Georg Lukács’ critique of reification. I argue that Lukács’ dialectical relationship between reification and the proletarian standpoint provides the paradigmatic model for emancipatory social critique. In addition, I suggest that Michel Foucault’s explorations of power, resistance, and the “critical attitude” are consistent with Lukács’ model of partisan critique. Returning to Lukács’ assessment of the impediment of militant action caused by reification, this paper advocates for a model of social critique that prioritizes concrete social struggles. The comparison of Lukács and Foucault calls for an examination of contemporary social struggles as the primary point of orientation for social critique. Thus, the partisanship of critical theory not only aims to promote emancipatory politics, but is also necessary in order for theory to be critical at all.