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3 - Sociological reflection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 April 2011

Matthias Benzer
Affiliation:
University of Sheffield
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Summary

In view of the untrustworthiness of observation and its factual data, Adorno makes an insistent case for their theoretical analysis. Theoretical analysis, like empirical research, is therefore a key theme in his reflections on sociology. It is also a major issue in contemporary social science debates. What distinguishes Adorno's writings on theoretical interpretation in sociological inquiry is that they question sociology's ability to offer conclusions on social life. Theoretical analysis constitutes another site for Adorno's negotiations of disciplinary boundaries. His sociologico-methodological ideas for theoretical interpretation draw heavily on epistemological considerations, while these epistemological arguments are usually forced to address sociological questions. This makes some criss-crossing between discrete areas unavoidable, especially in the first half of this chapter.

Theoretical analysis in sociology

Adorno's ideas for theoretical social analysis can be elucidated in three steps. First, the limitations of factual material must be clarified. The previous chapter repeatedly stated, without explaining, Adorno's caveat that empirical observations cannot adequately represent reality. Thus the role of theory and its mode of procedure in response to those limitations come into view, along with the problems and potentials Adorno's sociology develops in its theoretical dimension.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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  • Sociological reflection
  • Matthias Benzer, University of Sheffield
  • Book: The Sociology of Theodor Adorno
  • Online publication: 04 April 2011
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511686894.004
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  • Sociological reflection
  • Matthias Benzer, University of Sheffield
  • Book: The Sociology of Theodor Adorno
  • Online publication: 04 April 2011
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511686894.004
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Sociological reflection
  • Matthias Benzer, University of Sheffield
  • Book: The Sociology of Theodor Adorno
  • Online publication: 04 April 2011
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511686894.004
Available formats
×