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Developed the theory of Critical Theory, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach for social analysis and the concept of 'instrumental reason', critiquing the domination of nature and society by oppressive rationality.

Known for his works on aesthetics and cultural theory, he introduced concepts such as the 'aura' of artworks and analyzed the transformations of art in the age of mechanical reproduction.

Analyzed the psychological impacts of capitalism and the escape mechanisms humans employ to avoid freedom, as discussed in 'Escape from Freedom'. He applied Freudian psychoanalytic theory to societal phenomena.

Authored 'One-Dimensional Man', examining the effects of advanced industrial society on culture and individuality, and argued for a revolutionary potential in the margins of society to counteract repressive desublimation.

Worked on the sociology of literature, examining how the rise of mass culture and communication has affected individual autonomy, and critiquing the 'culture industry' alongside Adorno and Horkheimer.

Extended Critical Theory by focusing on communication and rationality; developed the theory of communicative action arguing for the possibility of rational discourse leading to democracy and legitimation.

A co-authored work by Horkheimer and Adorno that critiques the Enlightenment and its role in establishing systems of social domination, and argues for a reversal in the emancipatory promise of enlightenment thought, which they saw as leading to a new form of barbarism.

Developed the theory of state capitalism, arguing that the economy had become dominated by monopolistic corporations working with authoritarian states, thus altering the dynamics predicted by classical Marxism.

A philosophical approach to culture and society that seeks to confront the social, historical, and ideological forces and structures that produce and constrain it. It aims to critique and change society as a whole, in contrast to traditional theory's pursuit of understanding or explaining it.

Co-author of 'Dialectic of Enlightenment', critiqued the culture industry and its impact on mass society, and developed a nuanced theory of negative dialectics to counteract the perceived totalitarian tendencies of orthodox Marxism.

Examined the relationship between economy and epistemology, arguing that the forms of thought are conditioned by historical forms of economic exchange, and critiqued the commodity form in capitalism.