Acid Horizon A Reading of "Against Knowingness" from Adorno & Horkheimer's 'Dialectic of Enlightenment'
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Jan 27, 2025 Delve into the nuances of Adorno and Horkheimer's philosophical ideas. Discover why cleverness falters when confronted with the harsh realities of fascism. The discussion critiques the limits of rational discourse in fighting oppression, shedding light on the complex power dynamics of the Hitler era. This examination reveals the paradoxes within bourgeois reasoning and urges listeners to reconsider their understanding of intelligence in the face of authoritarianism.
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Cleverness and Stupidity
- Cleverness can be a form of stupidity, especially during times of upheaval.
- Well-informed judgments and predictions often prove untrue, as seen with Hitler's rise.
Dismissed Hitler's Rise
- Many experts, including an economist citing Bavarian brewers' interests, dismissed Hitler's rise.
- This demonstrates how cleverness can blind people to obvious dangers.
Decline of Discussion
- Bourgeois reason, modeled on exchange and equivalence, fails when power disregards the rules.
- The decline of discussion and the rise of distractions like card games reflect this.
