Amadeus Ulrich recently published an essay entitled “Ideology and Suffering: What Is Realistic about Critical Theory?” in the European Journal of Political Theory. The article is freely accessible (Open Access).
In it, Ulrich brings the ideology-critical perspective of radical realism into a productive dialog with that of Theodor W. Adorno. He examines both philosophical intersections and fundamental tensions between the two approaches. Radical realists strive for an empirically grounded critique of ideology that consciously dispenses with moral norms. Ulrich explores the potential and limits of a purely epistemic critique of social rule and existing beliefs in legitimacy by confronting them with Adorno’s central insights.
The central question is whether and how radical realists can justify their epistemological interests and critically grasp the moral content of ideological narratives – in particular the misuse of moral concepts to justify and conceal suffering. Using examples such as fascist propaganda, neoliberal notions of freedom and exploitative practices in the US housing market, Ulrich argues for a critical theory that rescues morality from moralism.
To the article (Open Access): Here…
