The introductory essay in this volume argues for the importance of the original critical theory developed by the Frankfurt school (The Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt, Germany) in developing a critical foundation for a neo-Marxist theory of radical pedagogy. Accordingly, it begins by defining the aims of the Frankfurt school and then goes on to discuss its history and background. This is followed by an indepth analysis of the Frankfurt school's analysis of the heritage of Enlightenment rationality and their critique of instrumental reason. The Frankfurt school's philosophical stance is then delineated in detail, including its notion of theory, its analysis of culture, and its analysis of depth psychology; on the basis of this discussion, the principal elements of a critical theory of education is outlined. The latter part of the volume consists of four essays by different authors: (1) "Traditional and Critical Theory," by M. Horkheimer; (2) "The Culture Industry: Enlightenment as Mass Deception," by M. Horkheimer and T. W. Adorno; "The Triumph of Positive Thinking: One-Dimensional Philosophy," by Herbert Marcuse; and "The Method and Function of an Analytic Social Psychology: Notes on Psychoanalysis and Historical Materialism," by Erich Fromm. An annotated bibliography is included. (TE)