Adorno and the Modern Ethos of Freedom

Delivering a concise account of Adorno's response to the modern question of freedom; Hearfield sets into critical relief other modern philosophies of freedom from Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault and Habermas. Presenting perspectives concerning the question of freedom, drawing out the contrasting and superior merit of Adorno's response.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Delivering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Adorno's response to the contemporary dilemma of freedom, Hearfield meticulously dissects six other modern philosophies of freedom, encompassing Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, and Habermas. This profound work presents a diverse array of perspectives on the subject, highlighting the distinct merits of Adorno's perspective. Hearfield employs an interpretive framework that distinguishes between a conceptual ratio, exemplified by Kant, Hegel, and Habermas, and an existential poiesis, represented by Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Foucault. Within this framework, Hearfield offers unique reconstructions of Adorno's critical assessments of Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, while also illuminating the theoretical vulnerabilities inherent in Foucault and Habermas. The book culminates in a revealing examination of the blind spots inherent in the conceptual ratio and existential poiesis modes of thinking, which hinder our ability to attain genuine freedom.

ISBN-13: 9781138618749