Anotace
In this course we will discuss the problem of art and its social role as it was developed in the thoughts of German philosopher Theodor W. Adorno. In Adorno’s aesthetic conception we can find some of the most intriguing ideas on art. The lessons will introduce not only Adorno’s aesthetic theory, but also the more general context of his philosophical thinking, such as the broadly Marxist background. The course will therefore explain notions such as instrumental reason, non-identity, reconciliation, utopia, ideology, alienation or reification, which are essential for understanding Adorno’s relation to art as well.
The first part of the course will focus on Adorno’s philosophical approach and methodology. Next, we will deal with Adorno’s critique of culture industry (such as Hollywood movies or jazz). The main part of the course will be dedicated to Adorno’s aesthetic conception of art, as expressed especially in his posthumously published opus magnum Aesthetic Theory. Part of the lectures will consist also in close reading of selected parts from Adorno’s texts.