The Field of Frankfurt's Cultural and Social Sciences Before 1945
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Richard Faber, Eva-Maria Ziege, (éds.), Das Feld der Frankfurter Kultur und Sozialwissenschaften vor 1945
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Würzburg, Königshausen & Neumann, 2007, 249 p.
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Michael Löwy
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Richard Faber, Eva-Maria Ziege, (éds.), Das Feld der Frankfurter Kultur und Sozialwissenschaften vor 1945
Year: 2008 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.15343
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The collection edited by Richard Faber and Eva-Maria Ziege, titled "Das Feld der Frankfurter Kultur und Sozialwissenschaften vor 1945," aims to explore the cultural field of Frankfurt prior to 1945. Distinct from Pierre Bourdieu's usage of "field," the term is utilized here in an ethnographic context. The volume contains various papers that examine the relationships between the Institute for Social Research (IRS), known as the Frankfurt School, and certain religious circles, both Christian and Jewish, within the city.
The Intersection of Religion and the Frankfurt School
One of the significant themes discussed in the collection is the dynamic between the Frankfurt School and religious socialist circles, particularly among Protestant theologians like Paul Tillich. During a 1931 meeting involving key figures from the School, including Adorno and Horkheimer, a debate emerged concerning the role of religion in a secularized world. Tillich advocated for a socialist interpretation of Christianity, whereas Adorno pushed for a radical demythologization of religious thought. This ongoing dialogue persisted even after their exile to America, marked by mutual misunderstanding over religious optimism and the critique of capitalism. The relationship between Jewish thought and the Frankfurt School is another focal point, with contributors exploring how themes like messianism and monotheistic ethics found their way into the writings of key Frankfurt theorists.
Conclusion
The book illustrates the multifaceted relationships that the Frankfurt School engaged in with both Jewish and Christian intellectual traditions before and after their exile. Important figures such as Erich Fromm and Eduard Strauss contributed significantly to the discourse on Judaism and its sociological implications within a modern context, as exemplified by Fromm's work on Jewish law and Strauss's critique of Zionism. Ultimately, "Das Feld der Frankfurter Kultur und Sozialwissenschaften vor 1945" provides valuable insights into the tensions and collaborations between secular and religious thought during a critical period in Frankfurt’s cultural history.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the book edited by Faber and Ziege?
The book explores the cultural field in Frankfurt before 1945, emphasizing interactions between the Frankfurt School and various religious circles, particularly Jewish and Christian.
How did Adorno view Jewish themes in his philosophical work?
Adorno acknowledged Jewish themes, including the utopian vision of paradise lost, linking his negative theology to Marcionite heresy, as noted by Richard Faber in the book.
What is Erich Fromm's contribution to the understanding of Judaism?
Fromm's doctoral thesis explored three forms of diasporic Judaism and argued against capitalist interpretations, highlighting the fundamental opposition of rabbinic Judaism to capitalist spirit.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “The Field of Frankfurt's Cultural and Social Sciences Before 1945”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
Religion is a central theme discussed in the text, particularly in connection with the Frankfurt School and its thinkers, who engaged with various religious traditions, including critiques of capitalism. The presence of Jewish themes and the notion of messianism within the writings of certain scholars illustrates how religion interplays with social and cultural contexts in Frankfurt.
2) Discussion:
Discussion is evident in the debates among intellectuals such as Adorno, Tillich, and Mannheim regarding the role of religion in a secularized world. These discussions highlight contrasting views about the interaction between socialist ideals and religious beliefs, illustrating the ongoing challenges in reconciling these two spheres.
3) Thomas:
Thomas Meyer contributes to the exploration of the Frankfurt School's connections to Judaism and religious thought. His work underscores the contested interpretations of Jewish themes, especially messianism, and how these elements resonate with the writings of key thinkers like Löwenthal and Fromm.
4) Philosophy:
Philosophy, particularly negative religious philosophy, is exemplified in the works of thinkers like Löwenthal, who engaged with Marx and Freud to explore concepts such as demonology and its implications for understanding human existence. This philosophical approach helps frame the complexities of religious thought in Frankfurt.
5) Happiness:
Happiness emerges as a theme in Adorno's reflections on the Jewish utopia of the lost paradise, wherein human happiness is tied to deeper existential considerations. This notion invites a broader exploration of what constitutes fulfillment within the frameworks of cultural and social sciences.
6) Theology:
Theology plays a crucial role in the essay discussions, particularly with regard to Paul Tillich's arguments for socialist Christianity. Adorno's criticisms reflect a broader theological debate within the context of modernity, where traditional religious doctrines intersect with contemporary critiques of capitalism.
7) Dialogue:
Dialogue is a recurring motif, especially in the interactions between figures from different backgrounds, such as Adorno and Tillich. Their dialogues represent attempts to reconcile religious thought with socialism, embracing the necessity of ongoing conversations about faith and society.
8) Critique:
Critique is a vital component of the Frankfurt School's intellectual endeavor, where thinkers critically assess religious ideologies and their social implications. The critique of capitalism as a 'diabolical' system showcases the school's commitment to understanding the intersections of culture and economic systems.
9) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: #Nature#]
10) Debate:
Debate occurs frequently among the varied intellectual perspectives on the role of religion within socialism and secularization. The varied opinions illustrate the complexities and challenges of integrating religious and sociopolitical thought in the dialogues among these scholars.
11) Future:
[see source text or glossary: #Future#]
12) Death:
[see source text or glossary: #Death#]
13) Image:
Image is significant in Adorno's reflections on the lost paradise, where it represents humanity's yearning for a state of happiness and wholeness. This imagery connects existential themes with philosophical inquiries, revealing deeper cultural meanings tied to human experience.
14) Light:
Light metaphorically signifies hope and enlightenment within the discussions about messianism and overcoming socio-political challenges. The concept of 'radiant messianic light' hints at the transformative possibilities of cultural and religious thought.
15) Human:
Human existence is framed within the context of cultural philosophy, addressing the struggles and aspirations of individuals within society. The thinkers of the Frankfurt School grappled with human conditions marked by suffering and the search for meaning.
16) City:
[see source text or glossary: #City#]
17) Book:
[see source text or glossary: #Book#]
18) Hope:
Hope is explored in the context of Adorno's negative dialectic, where he argues against the possibility of positive religious hope in the face of societal challenges. This skepticism toward hope reflects broader philosophical inquiries into human aspiration and resilience in adverse conditions.