Practice undermines theory from within as a destructive element

Evidence

That the violence of facts has become so outrageous that all theory, and even true theory, makes a mockery of them - this is burned like a mark into the organ of theory itself, language. The practice which takes away theory’s power emerges as an element of destruction within theory, without be the saviour from. — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 1100

Categorization

• XREF: This directly challenges the ‘primacy of practice’ claims in orthodox Marxist readings — a causal inversion of the theory-practice hierarchy. — connects to: major applied-science discoveries come at the cost of diminished theoretical awareness; Collapsing theory into narrative destroys the critical distance rational critique requires — Alex Callinicos, Against Postmodernism: A Marxist…, 371; The failed transition from theory to practice forces the interaction back into theory. — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 1209 (+10 more)
• BMF: The idea that the very practice meant to empower theory instead destroys it from within evokes We’s collective ‘practice’ that annihilates the individual’s inner life — practice as the destructive form theory takes.

Broader Connections

• Excessive theorizing can empty power of its material exercise #complicates (0.82)
• Theory is valuable only when one must struggle against it #expands (0.78) — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 242
• Theory is needed to break through deceptive appearances but cannot dictate action #complicates (0.75)
• Theory is best engaged as struggle rather than fluent agreement #expands (0.75)
• Theory develops unevenly, paced by practical necessities rather than its own logic #complicates (0.72)