ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author proposes the pragmatist strain of critical theory is, in fact, uncritical in the face of real manifestations of social power. He examines the critical implications of the move toward discourse, communicative action, and justificatory reason-exchange. The author then provides an alternative account of language and meaning that takes into consideration the strong forces of social power and its capacity to shape and distort the cognitive powers of subjects. The emergence of pragmatic themes in critical theory therefore presents a clear and direct challenge to a fundamental philosophical position that has been at the root of the rationalist, emancipatory critique of modern society. The persistent constriction of the public sphere in modern capitalist societies must remain the core focus of any critical social theory. Advocates of critical theory must not turn their backs on the basic ideas and research program that animated the first generation of critical theorists.
