Negative Dialectics

A major philosophical work by Theodor Adorno (1966) that extends his critical theory by developing a form of dialectical thinking that resists positive synthesis and affirmation, instead aiming to critique and negate existing conditions from within philosophy itself. The book, assembled from essays, lectures, and earlier drafts, was seen by Adorno as an unresolved preparation for a more fully reflected enlightenment.

Claims that use this term

• Adorno published just one narrow philosophy book before Negative Dialectics
• Adorno framed Negative Dialectics as philosophy extending itself from within
• Negative Dialectics was assembled from essays, lectures, and 1930s drafts
• Negative Dialectics remained an unresolved preparation for reflected enlightenment