Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

In my opinion, The Dialectics of Enlightenment cannot be read as a solitary text. It is a work that one must go back to again and again in order to grasp the relevance and application of the universal case studies presented. The roots of the ideas are in continental philosophy and will not deify the capitalistic model as a certainty unto a perfected future. In fact, the idea of the culture industry as a tool of mass deception is entirely relevant in today's world. The bourgeoisie has once again become the elite autocrats and in order to challenge their mediocrity, one must enter the 'inner snactum', which is very difficult without tremendous wealth that allows one to 'buy into the game'. I loved it! I do not view the book as a finite symbol of a sociological movement, but a blueprint through which reified conceptions can be challenged and made transparent.  

One of those books I wish everyone would read, and put the effort into reading properly (reread reread reread).

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

Welcome to the pessimist world!!! If you like pop culture or even a so-called hard working type of person I warned you to read this carefully! LOL This book will guide you to the real "enlightenment ... Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

I would call this book the opening chapter to making sense of our post-World-War-II world, Europe's most pessimistic book ever. It raises many questions about the very possibility of progress and ... Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

This is by far a better translation than the older, Verso edition. Having read both, this text in either English translation remains one of the texts that changed my life and the way that I think about philosophy. Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

The Enlightenment sought to bring mankind out of the shadows of orthodox tradition and religion and into the light of reason. A step toward human freedom, right? Perhaps, no doubt in some ways. But ... Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

Horkheimer and Adorno's theory on the culture industry presented in this work was the basis for my thesis. Some very interesting views on mass art as business “Films and radio no longer need to ... Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

All that I can say about this book, is that it is completely amazing! These ideas reawakened my interest in philosophy and shifted the paradigm encompassing my mind and views on media and culture. Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

Don't fight it: let the dialectic carry you along, since you have no chance at pinning it down as a power point. And thank goodness. Television, the Gesamtkunstwerk: "aims at a synthesis of radio and ... Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

Three things I love here, above all else: a) the collaboration, and the refusal to disentangle themselves from it when others demanded that Horkorno coalesce into two identities: of course reminds me ... Read full review