Minima Moralia: Reflections from Damaged Life

Discuss one of the philosophers that Adorno frequently draws from, specifically Hegel or Nietzsche (See: Key Figures). How does that philosopher’s work inform Adorno’s perspective? In what ways does he reflect or diverge from their thought in his own ideas?

Adorno claims that his purpose in writing Minima Moralia is to revive the “teaching of the good life” (15). How does Adorno do so? What is the “good life” in Adorno’s view? How does it compare to the sort of life promoted by capitalist society?

Why, according to Adorno, is independent thought declining? What are the strengths and limitations of his analysis?

How does Adorno explore the nature of culture under capitalism? How do his reflections on culture illustrate some of his key themes and ideas?

Are there any ways out of the problems with modernity that Adorno describes? What are the limitations of capitalism and socialism in addressing these problems? What solutions may have Adorno downplayed or overlooked?

Examine how Adorno uses dialectical reasoning to make his critiques. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using dialectical reasoning in cultural and ethical critiques?

Choose a film that came out before 1947 (the year that Minima Moralia ends). Does this film demonstrate the problems with cinema that Adorno describes? Or does it challenge his views in some way?

Adorno writes frequently about the distortion of human nature and human experience in both modern capitalist and totalitarian societies. How does Adorno define and examine human nature? In what ways does capitalism and/or totalitarianism influence human nature?