Political theory as critical practice: on rational reconstruction and the Frankfurt School

This article introduces the reconstructive approach to political theory associated with the Frankfurt School as a point of departure for its engagements with social institutions and practices. Special attention is given to Jürgen Habermas’ method of rational reconstruction, which serves as both an empirical interpretivist and normative approach to the study of politics. Rational reconstruction starts from the normative ideals that structure social practice and institutions and places them under critical scrutiny. After outlining the main contours of the method, particularly its view of language as medium action coordination, the article introduces Habermas’ reconstruction of constitutional democracy and its normative and empirical implications. To illustrate the applicability of rational reconstruction, the paper analyses identity politics as a challenge to democratic societies. Finally, it introduces and discusses objections from contemporary critical theory.