Enlightenment has strong connotations with science prevailing over religion, a way of scientifically seeking knowledge through experiments and observation - empirical evidence - rather than through myth and religion. In Adorno & Horkheimer's text, "enlightenment" is explained as reducing the fear among people while reinforcing their knowledge and control over the world.
What is the meaning and function of “myth” in Adorno and Horkheimer’s argument?
As science and "facts" are regarded today, so were once myths and folktales historically, according to Adorno & Horkheimer. A "myth" would be considered an easy way out for hard questions, sometimes resulting as part of a religion that became the next level of "truth" or "knowledge" for people.
What are the “old” and “new” media that are discussed in the Dialectic of Enlightenment?
The "new" media is viewed harshly by Adorno & Horkheimer in that it pacifies the consumer by limiting their imagination, deceptively tricking them to consume even more and simply look to make money. In contrast, "old" media is explained with less of a mass-consumer focus where artistic values, deep discussion and critical thinking is encouraged on a much higher intellectual level.
What is meant by “culture industry”?
Adorno & Horkheimer uses this notion in reference to the businesses which goal is to entertain the masses, for instance the movie business, TV-companies, books, etc. The general philosophy that is discussed is one that views the consumers as easily persuaded and tricked into consuming the "culture" that this "industry" produces. In particular "new" media is seen as part of the culture industry, according to the authors.
What is the relationship between mass media and “mass deception”, according to Adorno and Horkheimer?
As mentioned above, the culture industry is just like any other industry interested in making people buy their product. Since culture can be seen as a way in itself to affect people, for instance letting James Bond drive a fancy new BMW, it is also deceptive in the way it subconsciously affects people. In this way, mass media is looked upon with distaste by Adorno & Horkheimer in how it manipulates people into making certain choices that benefit the producers of said media.
Please identify one or two concepts/terms that you find particularly interesting. Motivate your choice.
I find the concept of deception and pacification particularly interesting, especially looking at the very latest spawn of the culture industry; computer games. Take for example World of Warcraft, which is featured numerous times in the news because people have become so pacified by the game that they simply can't stop playing. Deception is also interesting because it's related in how we perceive the world. If all we see is a computer generated world, the step into thinking that world is the real world isn't too far off. Putting this in the perspective of countries with news organizations that feed from fear and ignorance, the result is a warped, almost "mythical" view of the world.
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