The Precarious Happiness of Theodor Adorno, with Peter Gordon

In this episode, we interview Professor Peter Gordon about the philosopher and social theorist Theodor Adorno (1903 - 1969). Adorno’s name is largely synonymous with what today is called ‘critical theory’, a figure who’s influence can be felt across disciplines as varied as philosophy, political theory, sociology, literary studies, film studies, and art history. Here we ask Professor Gordon about his new book “a Precarious Happiness”, as well as questions pertaining to intellectual history, the peripheral position of Jews in early 20th century Germany, the significance of Auschwitz, and the writings of Adorno more broadly in relation to the critical tradition.