Adorno’s astrology analysis relied on pure interpretation without empirical data.

Evidence

Adorno did not personally speak either to the readers of the astrology column or to its writers. He did not mention any objective data. Pure' interpretation of the astrology column became a classic case in which the whole range of Adorno and Horkheimer's ideas could be applied. The column is directed towards readers who are dependent, or who feel dependent. It presupposes ego weakness and real social powerlessness.’ `The horoscope … conceals, feeds and exploits … universal and alienated dependency.’ — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 1957

Categorization

• XREF: The astrology column as concealment/exploitation of dependency resonates with the culture-industry argument and with Horkheimer’s critique of instrumental reason from earlier chapters. — connects to: Adorno concluded important matters cannot be approached empirically — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 2119

Broader Connections

• Adorno concluded important matters cannot be approached empirically #expands (0.85) — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 2119