Abstract

BITANG, Adoulou. Marcien Towa, father of Cameroonian Critical Theory: a comparison with Max Horkheimer. Acta acad. (Bloemfontein, Online) [online]. 2023, vol.55, n.2, pp.9-29. ISSN 2415-0479.  https://doi.org/10.38140/aa.v55i2.7724.

In this paper, I examine the extent to which Marcien Towa (1931-2014) can be considered the Father of Cameroonian Critical Theory. In this regard, I compare what can be called his social philosophy with the project of a critical theory of society, as outlined by Max Horkheimer (1895-1973). I specifically consider Marcien Towa's idea of philosophy, which I confront with Horkheimer's project from the perspectives offered by their sociopolitical premises, conceptual references, and progressive goals. On each of these aspects, I discover sufficient correspondences that allow me to argue that Towa and Horkheimer, who barely knew each other, formulated a somewhat similar claim, namely to provide a critical theory of society, whose aim is not only to understand society but more importantly to change it.

Keywords : Critical Theory; praxis; Hegel; Marx; Nkrumah.

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