Why Theory

Dialectic of Enlightenment

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Oct 3, 2021
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INSIGHT

Dualistic Dialectic Misreadings

  • Adorno and Horkheimer's dialectic approach is dualistic, seeing things as becoming their opposites, unlike Hegel's negative dialectics with no synthesis.
  • This leads them to view enlightenment as totalitarian and lacking a future beyond imposed sameness.
INSIGHT

Enlightenment as Dictatorial Force

  • Adorno and Horkheimer cast enlightenment as a dictator dominating things, reflecting a radical dualism rather than true dialectic.
  • They fail to recognize enlightenment's role in opening things to perception, instead seeing violent imposition on difference.
ANECDOTE

Contradictory Immigration Rhetoric Example

  • Ryan Engley uses the contradictory immigration rhetoric to illustrate the flawed dualistic thinking criticized by dialectical approach.
  • Todd McEwen compares this to feminist calls for recognizing contradictions in identities as essential to humanity.
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