Abstract

This chapter aims to highlight the theoretical framework offered by Critical Theory as a tool by which we can interpret contemporary problems in education. Specifically, I intend to shed light on the salient points of Adorno’s critique of education, in relation to, and against the backdrop of his critique of culture and society. I hope to do so in the following ways: Firstly, to discuss the basic tenets of a critical educational theory by determining the contributions that critical theory can make in this project of understanding and subsequent critique of education. Secondly, to discuss the three important concepts in Adorno’s educational theory, i.e., Bildung, Erziehung, and Halbbildung. This part is further divided into three sections wherein (a) I provide a brief background on the classical German model of Bildung; (b) discuss the emergence of Halbbildung in the backdrop of Culture Industry; and (c) present Adorno’s proposed solution. With this as a point of departure, I proceed (thirdly and lastly) to evaluate Adorno’s critique and proposed solution, with some notes on a possible reconstruction as to how it can be appropriated today. The overarching theme of this chapter is locating Adorno’s critique of education within his critique of culture and society, and vice versa. In response to the call for a renewed understanding of the meaning of education, this shows the dialectical interplay between education and society, between culture and formation.