Experiential embodiment and human immediacy : Adorno's negative affinity
This thesis argues for the continuing possibility of Adorno set against the backdrop of a post-modern proliferation of affects. A major theoretical contention is the concept of the subject: a sticking point within philosophy. The thesis takes this up and offers a new pathway without falling into the clichĂ© of a renewal of Adornoâs position. Drawing on Adornoâs theoretical thoughts on the subject the thesis contends that the subject is that which by turns dissolves all eventualities or more proportionally acts like a place-holder for the newly emerging: structures that cannot be explained by recourse to the laws that govern its parts. These experiential structures present a surface, resistance, or solidarity that upon closer examination dissolve back into the ephemeral. Although such structures are profligate and prolific, the thesis adopts as its major concern artworks and aesthetics. Following Adorno, a claim is made for artworks that present open-ended possibilities. They are able for example to critically challenge the dominant hegemony the profundity that all too easily sides with the oppressors of life. What philosophy, a critical tool in furtherance of the good life, a concept restaged, here takes
Walker, Mark
B Philosophy (General) ; NX Arts in general
Experiential embodiment and human immediacy : Adorno's negative affinity. This thesis argues for the continuing possibility of Adorno set against the backdrop of a post-modern proliferation of affects. A major theoretical contention is the concept of the subject: a sticking point within philosophy. The thesis takes this up and offers a new pathway without falling into the clichĂ© of a renewal of Adornoâs position. Drawing on Adornoâs theoretical thoughts on the subject the thesis contends that the subject is that which by turns dissolves all eventualities or more proportionally acts like a place-holder for the newly emerging: structures that cannot be explained by recourse to the laws that govern its parts. These experiential structures present a surface, resistance, or solidarity that upon closer examination dissolve back into the ephemeral. Although such structures are profligate and prolific, the thesis adopts as its major concern artworks and aesthetics. Following Adorno, a claim is made for artworks that present open-ended possibilities. They are able for example to critically challenge the dominant hegemony the profundity that all too easily sides with the oppressors of life. What philosophy, a critical tool in furtherance of the good life, a concept restaged, here takes
experiential embodiment human immediacy adorno negative affinity argues continue possibility adorno set_backdrop post_modern proliferation affect major_theoretical contention concept subject point within philosophy take offer_new pathway without fall renewal adorno position drawing adorno theoretical thought subject contend subject turn dissolve act like place holder newly_emerge structure explain recourse law govern part experiential structure present surface resistance solidarity upon close_examination dissolve back ephemeral although structure prolific adopt major_concern aesthetic following adorno claim_make artwork present open_ended possibility able example critically challenge dominant hegemony easily side life philosophy critical tool good_life concept take