Minima Moralia: Reflections from Damaged Life

Theodor Adorno’s view of modern society is generally negative and cynical. At the same time, however, Adorno writes about “hope” and why it should be considered a “truth” (97-98). How does hope fit into Adorno’s views of modernity? Would you describe Minima Moralia as presenting an optimistic or pessimistic view overall?

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?