主观理性与客观理性的共生与消长——霍克海默《理性之蚀》的理性批判路径探析

The Symbiosis and Ebb-and-Flow of Subjective and Objective Reason—A Study of Horkheimer’s Critical Path of Reason in Eclipse of Reason

摘要: 本研究以霍克海默的《理性之蚀》为核心文本，通过文本细读的方法，在具体历史语境下分析霍克海默笔下理性的异化过程，即主观理性与客观理性在历史条件中的共生消长关系，最终主观理性代替客观理性。此过程导致理性失去批判自身的功效，沦为纯粹的工具与手段，是现代社会理性危机的根源。本研究依次对客观理性与主观理性的哲学内涵进行界定，分别阐释二者的历史地位与进步意义，论证主观理性的膨胀过程与理性发生异化的内在关联。本研究对霍克海默的理性批判理论进行了再度挖掘，以期对现代社会理性异化现象进行批判性反思，从而重建理性的价值判断功能。

Abstract: This study takes Horkheimer’s Eclipse of Reason as its core text and, through close reading, analyzes the process of the alienation of reason as depicted by Horkheimer within its specific historical context—namely, the symbiotic yet conflictual relationship between subjective reason and objective reason under changing historical conditions, a process culminating in the replacement of objective reason by subjective reason. This transformation strips reason of its capacity for self-critique and reduces it to a mere instrument and means, constituting the root of the rationality crisis of modern society. Proceeding in a step-by-step manner, this study first defines the philosophical connotations of objective reason and subjective reason respectively, then elucidates their historical status and progressive significance, and finally demonstrates the intrinsic connection between the expansion of subjective reason and the alienation of reason. By re-examining Horkheimer’s critical theory of reason, this study aims to offer a critical reflection on the phenomenon of rational alienation in modern society and thereby contribute to the reconstruction of reason’s function of value judgment.