Desire of submission, desire of freedom. From "inner" to "outer" circle of Critical. Theory and one more step

Abstract

In this paper we will seek to reconstruct some of the conceptual differences that showed the most representative authors of the first Critical Theory of Frankfurt. These differences refer both to the analysis of socio-historical processes, and to the problem of power and domination. For its adequate reconstruction we will use the contributions made by Axel Honneth –current director of the Institut für Sozialforschung– in his article "Critical Theory". Its main thesis is that in the late 30s there was a division in the first Critical Theory. This division gave rise to an "inner" circle -Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno, among others- and an "outer" circle -including to Franz Neumann, Erich Fromm and Walter Benjamin–. Honneth defends the authors belonging to the "outer" circle, but does not develop extensively their arguments. Our intention here is precisely to disaggregate this defense from the re-reading of Erich Fromm's book Escape from Freedom. In this work we can find a "complex" exposition of the socio-historical process and, above all, an "alternative" model of power / domination over that which prevailed in the "inner" circle of Critical Theory. Lastly, we understand that the dialogue that can be established between Honneth and Fromm points to promising paths for renewing and updating critical social thinking.