The memory and expectation of aesthetics : a study of Adorno's aesthetic theory
This study aims to clarify the underlying conceptual structure of Adorno's theoretical position with regard to both philosophy and art and to examine the expectation of philosophical aesthetics. I introduce Aesthetic Theory from a morphological point of view and claim that the form and structure of this unfinished text reveals a great deal about the book, as it exemplifies Adorno's theory of meaning. I claim that for Adorno dialectic is better thought of not in its Hegelian form but as a Kantian antinomy. This is because the dialectical oppositions he identifies cannot be resolved under the capitalist conditions of the administered world. I claim that philosophy understood as the construction of a form of totality, the constellation, provides the key to understanding Adorno's theory of meaning. This theory consists of three linked concepts: midpoint, constellation and parataxis. I further claim that for Adorno art and philosophy are structured in the same way. Adorno has in effect developed a conception of art that depends for its ultimate justification on the concept of rank as explicated by the completion of the work of art by philosophy. Art and theory are thus entwined in a mimetic relationship. I claim
McPherson, Alan
The memory and expectation of aesthetics : a study of Adorno's aesthetic theory. This study aims to clarify the underlying conceptual structure of Adorno's theoretical position with regard to both philosophy and art and to examine the expectation of philosophical aesthetics. I introduce Aesthetic Theory from a morphological point of view and claim that the form and structure of this unfinished text reveals a great deal about the book, as it exemplifies Adorno's theory of meaning. I claim that for Adorno dialectic is better thought of not in its Hegelian form but as a Kantian antinomy. This is because the dialectical oppositions he identifies cannot be resolved under the capitalist conditions of the administered world. I claim that philosophy understood as the construction of a form of totality, the constellation, provides the key to understanding Adorno's theory of meaning. This theory consists of three linked concepts: midpoint, constellation and parataxis. I further claim that for Adorno art and philosophy are structured in the same way. Adorno has in effect developed a conception of art that depends for its ultimate justification on the concept of rank as explicated by the completion of the work of art by philosophy. Art and theory are thus entwined in a mimetic relationship. I claim
memory expectation aesthetic study adorno aesthetic_theory study aim_clarify underlying conceptual_structure adorno theoretical_position regard philosophy_art examine expectation philosophical aesthetic introduce aesthetic_theory morphological point_view claim form structure unfinished text_reveals great_deal book exemplifies adorno theory_meaning claim adorno dialectic good thought hegelian form kantian dialectical opposition identifies resolve capitalist condition administer world claim_philosophy understood construction form totality constellation provide_key adorno theory_meaning theory consist_three link concept constellation claim adorno art_philosophy structure way adorno effect develop conception art depend ultimate justification concept rank explicate completion work_art philosophy art theory thus entwine mimetic relationship claim