The Fragility of Concern for Others: Adorno and the Ethics of Care

Estelle Ferrarese argues that morality should be materialist and political, based on theories of care. She challenges Theodor W. Adorno's social philosophy by examining the mechanisms of caring for others and its political implications. Ferrarese shows how capitalism produces a compartmentalized attention to others, limited to particular tasks and domains, attributed to women. She proposes a dialogue between Adorno's Critical Theory and the ethics of care to give dignity to the singular and address its moral pertinence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Estelle Ferrarese makes a compelling case for a materialist and political understanding of morality, drawing inspiration from the Frankfurt School philosopher Theodor W. Adorno. She challenges his social philosophy by subjecting it to ideas derived from theories of care. Through thoughtful exploration, Ferrarese delves into the mechanisms of caring for others, the moral gestures it engenders, and the profound political implications it holds. She demonstrates how the capitalist mode of life, characterized by a general indifference, leads to a compartmentalized attention to others, limited to specific tasks and domains, often attributed to women. By undertaking a systematic study of the concept of "coldness" in Adorno's philosophy, Ferrarese establishes a dialogue between Adornian Critical Theory and the ethics of care. Through this interdisciplinary approach, she sheds new light on age-old questions, aiming to elevate the singular, amplify its unique claims, and bring its moral relevance to the forefront.

Estelle Ferrarese argues for a materialist and political understanding of morality, drawing inspiration from the Frankfurt School philosopher Theodor W. Adorno. She challenges his social philosophy by subjecting it to ideas derived from theories of care. Through thoughtful exploration, Ferrarese delves into the mechanisms of caring for others, the moral gestures it engenders, and the profound political implications it holds. She demonstrates how the capitalist mode of life, characterized by a general indifference, leads to a compartmentalized attention to others, limited to specific tasks and domains, often attributed to women. By undertaking a systematic study of the concept of "coldness" in Adorno's philosophy, Ferrarese establishes a dialogue between Adornian Critical Theory and the ethics of care. Through this interdisciplinary approach, she sheds new light on age-old questions, aiming to elevate the singular, amplify its unique claims, and bring its moral relevance to the forefront.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474467407