Dialectic of enlightenment : philosophical fragments

摘要: Dialectic of Enlightenment is undoubtedly the most influential publication Frankfurt School Critical Theory. Written during Second World War and circulated privately, it appeared in a printed edition Amsterdam 1947. "What we had set out to do," authors write Preface, "was nothing less than explain why humanity, instead entering truly human state, sinking into new kind barbarism." Yet work goes far beyond mere critique contemporary events. Historically remote developments, indeed, birth Western history subjectivity itself struggle against natural forces, as represented myths, are connected wide arch threatening experiences present. The book consists five chapters, at first glance unconnected, together with number shorter notes. various analyses concern such phenomena detachment science from practical life, formalized morality, manipulative nature entertainment culture, paranoid behavioral structure, expressed aggressive anti-Semitism, that marks limits enlightenment. perceive common element these phenomena, tendency toward self-destruction guiding criteria inherent enlightenment thought beginning. Using historical elucidate present, they show, background prehistory subjectivity, National Socialist terror was not an aberration modern but rooted deeply fundamental characteristics civilization. Adorno Horkheimer see reason grounded fateful dialectic between domination external society. They trace enlightenment, which split spheres apart, back its mythical roots. myth, therefore, irreconcilable opposites, dialectically mediated qualities both real intellectual life. "Myth already reverts mythology." This paradox thesis book. translation, based on text complete works Max Horkheimer, contains textual variants, commentary upon them, editorial discussion position this development