Critical Theory
Critical Theory is an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing and critiquing society, culture, and power structures, originating from the Frankfurt School in the 20th century. It examines how social, political, and economic systems shape human experience and perpetuate inequality, often focusing on issues like ideology, domination, and emancipation. In a developer context, it informs ethical considerations in technology design, such as bias in algorithms, digital surveillance, and the social impact of software.
Developers should learn Critical Theory to build more ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible technologies, as it helps identify and mitigate biases in data, algorithms, and user interfaces. It is particularly useful in fields like AI, data science, and human-computer interaction, where decisions can reinforce discrimination or harm marginalized groups. Understanding these concepts enables developers to advocate for fairness, transparency, and accountability in tech projects.