Ideas from 'Dialectic of Enlightenment' by T Adorno / M Horkheimer [1944], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Dialectic of Enlightenment' by Adorno/Horkheimer [Verso 1997,1-85984-154-6]].

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1. Philosophy / H. Continental Philosophy / 5. Critical Theory
Adorno and Horkheimer subjected the Enlightenment to 'critical theory' analysis
                        Full Idea: Adorno and Horkheimer's analysis of Enlightenment sets the agenda for the subsequent development of critical theory.
                        From: report of T Adorno / M Horkheimer (Dialectic of Enlightenment [1944]) by James Gordon Finlayson - Habermas Ch.1:07
22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / b. Rational ethics
De Sade said it was impossible to rationally argue against murder
                        Full Idea: De Sade trumpeted far and wide the impossibility of deriving from reason any fundamental argument against murder.
                        From: T Adorno / M Horkheimer (Dialectic of Enlightenment [1944], p.118)
                        A reaction: [They focus on 'Juliette'] This is a big problem for utilitarians, because murdering an unhappy person may maximise happiness. Presumably a maniac could will universal carnage, and thus thwart Kant.