Analysis on the Problem of “Instrumentalized Reason” from the Perspective of Historical Materialism

The problem of “instrumentalized reason” is Horkheimer’s solution to the “erosion” of western rational tradition, and then the starting point of rebuilding rational authority. From “instrumentalized reason” to “instrumental reason”, it has experienced the process of Schmidt’s translation and Habermas’s interpretation of creation. Horkheimer’s diagnosis of the problem of “instrumentalized reason” lies in the fragmented enlightenment spirit, which abstracts the richness of reason and only preserves the enlightenment of the instrumentalized reason. From the perspective of historical materialism, the solution to the “erosion of reason” is nothing more than “social criticism” over “rational criticism”, but “social criticism” can’t take the place of actual social reform after all. Under the condition of socialist market economy, the correct way to solve the problem of “instrumentalized reason” lies in the rational use of reason, and then solve the problem of capital governance, get out of the predicament of capital governance, and open up a new way of development and lifestyle.