Max Horkheimer was a German philosopher and sociologist, best known as a key figure in the Frankfurt School of critical theory. Born in 1895, he played a significant role in developing ideas about society, culture, and the impact of capitalism on human behavior. Horkheimer emphasized the importance of understanding the relationship between theory and practice. In the 1930s, Horkheimer co-authored the influential work, Dialectic of Enlightenment, with Theodor Adorno. This book critiques the Enlightenment's rationality and its role in fostering domination and oppression. Horkheimer's ideas continue to influence contemporary social theory and critical studies, highlighting the need for a critical approach to understanding modern society.