Du préjugé

This is the first French translation of Max Horkheimer’s short essay on prejudice (Vom Vorurteil). In it, he analyses the nature and impact of prejudice in society, defining it as opinions adopted without justification and deeply embedded in social and cultural structures. Horkheimer argues that prejudice is instilled from an early age and reinforced by institutions such as the family, schools and the media, serving to maintain power hierarchies and justify exploitation. He also explores the psychological dimension of prejudice, noting how it responds to emotional needs and provides a false sense of superiority. The discussion then examines the cultural origins of prejudice, its relationship to power, its psychological effects, the importance of education in combating it, and the role of the media in perpetuating it.

In short, Horkheimer calls for critical reflection and action to promote a more just and egalitarian society. In an era of rising populism and identity politics, his reflections remain urgently relevant and worth revisiting.

Max Horkheimer (1895–1973) was a German philosopher and sociologist. He served as director of the Institute for Social Research (Institut für Sozialforschung), the founding institution of the Frankfurt School, from 1930 to 1969, and was one of the founders of critical theory (Kritische Theorie).