The Lexicon · Genealogy · 19th Century

HORKHEIMER, MAX

1895–1973

Traditional and Critical Theory (The Two Vessels Doctrine)

Horkheimer distinguished theory that explains society (traditional) from theory that transforms it (critical). CoCA's Doctrine of Two Vessels (§3.2.6) — the structural separation of the religious entity (CoCA) and the commercial vessel (NOMSG) — is a managerial version of the same split. One vessel reports. One vessel acts. Both are necessary. The traditional pays the rent. The critical sets the agenda.

Kin

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