The term ‘critical’ refers to the capacity to inquire ‘against the grain’, to question the conceptual and theoretical bases of knowledge and method, to ask questions that go beyond prevailing assumptions and understandings, and to acknowledge the role of power and social position in phenomena.

Critical theory is defined as a social theory oriented toward critiquing and changing society as a whole, in contrast to traditional theory oriented only toward understanding or explaining it.
The critical theory involves a normative dimension, either by criticizing society in terms of some general theory of values or norms or by criticizing society in terms of its own espoused values (i.e. immanent critique). Significantly, critical theory conceptualizes and critiques societal power structures and establishes an empirically grounded model to link society to the human subject. It defends the universalist ambitions of the tradition but does so within a specific context of social-scientific and historical research. The critical meanings of experiences about gender, racism, class, and other forms of social oppression are a focus of critical theory.

Technical interest, practical interest, and emancipating interest are the three categories of knowledge that critical theory proposes. Controlling the physical environment, which produces empirical and analytical knowledge, is of technical interest. Understanding the situation’s meaning, which produces hermeneutic and historical knowledge, is of practical interest. An emancipating interest is concerned with fostering progress and advancement, which produces important knowledge and is interested in exposing oppressive and monopolistic conditions.

Max Horkheimer claimed that a critical theory is only sufficient if it satisfies simultaneously explanatory, practical, and normative requirements. In other words, it must describe what is wrong with the current social reality, name the individuals who can alter it, and offer both clear standards for criticism and doable, realistic objectives for social change.

At Pristine School of Management, our approach to teaching is practically driven, case study driven and its applied critical theory approach. If you go through our website, you will see the student we have and the industries they work with. We are WES (World Education Services) approved, and accredited by the OTHM and ATHE United Kingdom.