Abstract:
The paper discusses the convergences and divergences between two characterizations of modernity that point to its mythical dimension: the critique formulated by Adorno and Horkheimer in Dialectics of Enlightenment and the conception of Enrique Dussel as presented in his work 1492: El encubrimiento del otro. This theoretical interlocution proposal aims to enrich the Critical Theory's decolonization project in order to better explore its potential for sociopolitical criticism – especially regarding to social structures, processes and relations in peripheral societies of world capitalism. The article is organized in three steps: it starts with the presentation of the classic arguments of Critical Theory regarding the mythical narrative of modernity; then, it discusses the possibilities of expanding and critically reviewing this perspective based on Dussel works; and, finally, it makes an assessment of the discussion and outlines considerations about the pertinence and necessity of this dialogue.
Keywords:
Critical Theory; Decolonial Turn; Franfkurt School; Postcolonialism