從啟蒙的辯證到批判理論：霍克海默思想的政治哲學探析

From the Dialectic of Enlightenment to Critical Theory: An Analysis of Horkheimer’s Political Philosophy

本研究旨在透過理論史的脈絡分析，探討霍克海默對現代理性、啟蒙與社會支配關係的深刻反思。霍克海默作為法蘭克福學派的核心人物，承繼了康德以降的理性傳統，並在吸收黑格爾辯證法與馬克思歷史唯物論的基礎上，提出具有批判性的理性辯證。他指出啟蒙理性雖以解放為名，卻在工具化與功利化的過程中轉化為支配的形式，導致現代社會陷入理性異化與人性喪失的危機。本文首先梳理霍克海默思想的理論淵源，進而分析理性與支配關係的批判，並探討他如何在批判理論中重新詮釋黑格爾與馬克思的辯證理性，將理性從抽象的思辨提升為實踐的社會批判工具。最後，本文指出霍克海默批判理論的政治性不僅在於揭露資本主義體制下的權力結構，更在於呼籲理性回歸解放與人道的初衷，對當代民主、科技與文化政治的省思具有深遠啟示。

This study aims to explore Max Horkheimer’s profound reflection on modern reason, enlightenment, and social domination through a contextual analysis of intellectual history. As a central figure of the Frankfurt School, Horkheimer inherited the rationalist tradition since Kant and, by integrating Hegel’s dialectics and Marx’s historical materialism, developed a critical form of dialectical reason. He argued that Enlightenment rationality, though claiming to pursue liberation, has transformed into an instrument of domination through processes of instrumentalization and utilitarianism, leading modern society into crises of alienated reason and the loss of humanity. This paper first traces the theoretical origins of Horkheimer’s thought, then analyzes his critique of the relationship between reason and domination, and further examines how he reinterprets Hegelian and Marxian dialectics within Critical Theory—elevating reason from abstract speculation to a tool of social critique in practice. Finally, the paper contends that the political dimension of Horkheimer’s Critical Theory lies not only in exposing the power structures of capitalist society but also in calling for a restoration of reason’s emancipatory and humanistic intent, offering profound insights for contemporary reflections on democracy, technology, and cultural politics.