Critical Theory of Human Sciences

The application of Critical Theory to all disciplines studying human life—psychology, anthropology, history, linguistics, and more—examining how they've been shaped by power, how they've served domination, and how they might serve liberation. Critical Theory of Human Sciences asks: How have these disciplines constructed "the human" in ways that exclude? How have they pathologized resistance, exoticized difference, erased alternatives? It doesn't reject the human sciences but insists they must be self-aware, reflexive, and accountable. Studying humans requires understanding the politics of studying humans.

"Psychology pathologized homosexuality; anthropology exoticized 'primitive' cultures. Critical Theory of Human Sciences asks: what other violences hide in our disciplines? The human sciences study humans, but they're also human—flawed, political, complicit. Critical theory demands they remember that, reflect on it, and do better."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 4, 2026

Critical Theory of Human Nature

The application of Critical Theory to concepts of human nature—examining how claims about what humans "naturally" are reflect social values and serve political interests. Critical Theory of Human Nature asks: Why are certain traits called "natural"? Who benefits from defining humans as competitive, selfish, aggressive? Could human nature include plasticity, cooperation, solidarity? How have claims about human nature been used to justify inequality? It doesn't deny that humans have biological constraints but insists that "human nature" is never just descriptive—it's always prescriptive, always political.

"Humans are naturally competitive, they say. Critical Theory of Human Nature asks: naturally? Or socialized under capitalism? Humans cooperate too, share too, care too. Which 'nature' you emphasize reflects your politics. Critical theory insists on asking: who benefits from the 'selfish gene' story? And what would change if we told different stories about who we are?"

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 4, 2026

Critical Theory of Humanities

The application of Critical Theory to the humanities—literature, philosophy, history, art, and related fields—examining how they've been shaped by power, how they've served domination or liberation, and how they might be transformed. Critical Theory of Humanities asks: Whose stories are told in the canon? Whose are excluded? How have the humanities justified colonialism, racism, sexism? How might they serve struggles for justice? Drawing on postcolonial, feminist, and critical race theory, it insists that the humanities are never just about culture—they're about power. Understanding the humanities requires understanding their politics.

"The Western canon is just great books, they say. Critical Theory of Humanities asks: great by whose standards? Selected by whom? The canon excludes women, people of color, colonized peoples—not because they didn't write, but because power decided they didn't matter. Humanities that ignore power just reproduces it. Critical theory insists on asking: whose voices are missing, and why?"

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 4, 2026