Herbert Marcuse (political theorist)

Herbert Marcuse was a German-American philosopher and social theorist known for his critique of modern society and capitalism. He argued that advanced industrial societies create a "one-dimensional" culture that suppresses critical thinking and genuine freedom, often through consumerism and media. Marcuse believed that true liberation requires challenging these societal norms and fostering critical consciousness. His ideas influenced the 1960s counterculture and various social movements, emphasizing that societal change depends on awakening individuals to their potential for critical thought and revolutionary action against oppressive systems.