Editorial — Giovanni Zanotti

Philosophy, critical theory and the CEIS20

In 1937, Max Horkheimer published two essays in the journal of the Institute for Social Research, which he ran. The first essay, “Traditional and Critical Theory”, presents the guidelines for a scientific research programme that was original in its principles and aims, i.e. on the one hand, based on a constant dialogue with the latest methods and results of different disciplines and, on the other hand, with a deliberate focus on the emancipatory dimension of society. In the second essay, entitled “Philosophy and Critical Theory”, Horkheimer pointed out the gap between empirical research, understood as such, and reflection on the conceptual conditions which make it possible.

Today, nearly ninety years later, the concept of "critical theory" broadly refers to a variety of different approaches, but guided by common scientific and ethical goals: a perspective that remains alive to the challenges and contradictions of contemporary sciences and societies, and that has not only retained its interdisciplinary character, but has also acquired a transnational dimension. In addition to the contribution of new philosophical models (such as French post-structuralism), the original intention of critical theory, based on Hegel's dialectics and Marx's critique of political economy, has been differentiated in a wealth of local traditions. These include, in the Global South, reflections on the cultural and material dynamics of "centre" and "periphery" in post-colonial contexts.

"Philosophy and Critical Theory" is the name that, in line with Horkheimer's second essay, best sums up the general sense of the line of research that I will present to CEIS20 for intra- and inter-institutional collaboration. From a comparative perspective, I propose to study the history of different traditions of dialectical criticism in the contemporary world (mainly German, French and Brazilian), focusing on epistemological and philosophical-political issues, but always interacting with other fields of knowledge, especially with regard to the history of European political institutions and international relations (with an emphasis on Portuguese-speaking countries).

In this sense, the interdisciplinary nature of CEIS20 research, and in particular its heritage in European, Atlantic and global studies, will provide the most valuable basis for dialogue. I hope to contribute to the discussion of central issues in Critical Theory and more generally in the humanities today, namely intercultural dialogue, transnational cooperation, conflict resolution and the reduction of inequalities, through national and international partnerships, participation in research groups, the organisation of academic events and publications.

Giovanni Zanotti, PhD in Philosophy from the University of Pisa, Visiting Professor at the University of Brasilia and future research assistant at CEIS20