Adorno’s theory aimed at practical triumph over prevailing circumstances.

Evidence

Adorno is apparently interested in a theory which would reflect experience – presumed to be general – in such a way that its account would be resoundingly evident. To him, enlightenment is in order not concerning the ‘wholly enlightened’ earth, but rather the practical consequences stemming from the knowledge thereof. The result of knowledge should be to indicate a pending triumph over prevailing circumstances. — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 1026

Categorization

• XREF: Directly counters the standard ‘Adorno the pessimist’ image; aligns with the book’s revisionist thesis that Adorno remained committed to practical political transformation. — connects to: Adorno extends Marx from coercive structures to the lived possibilities of individual self-determination. — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 917; Adorno held that critical theory resists most effectively precisely where reality seems irresistible — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 1618; Adorno prized pragmatic return over institutionalized conformity dressed as wounded dignity — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 1951

Broader Connections

• Adorno held that critical theory resists most effectively precisely where reality seems irresistible #corroborates (0.78) — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 1618