INTRODUCTION

In this chapter we show how Adorno regards enlightenment as regressing into myth. We do so through an examination of Adorno's use of Freud. We see how Adorno deploys Freud to make a critique of the instinctual basis of enlightenment Subjectivity.

First we depict the relevant aspects of Freud's work on the instincts. Secondly, we show how Adorno uses Freud. We do this by following his narrative of the decline of enlightenment which we depict through four clear stages.

ADORNO ON FREUD

Adorno utilises Freud's ideas in order to interpret the enlightenment. Although deploying Freud, we have noted in our Prelude, that Adorno's relationship with Freud's work is complex; he both approriates and criticises. We should note that in fact, the complexity of this relationship derives in no small measure from Adorno's view that Freud is deeply connected to enlightenment. There are two dimensions to Adorno's view of Freud in this regard.

First, Adorno considers that Freud most clearly represents the ideas of the enlightenment. That is to say, Freud is an instance of the general phenomenon of enlightenment which means that Adorno regards him as both inherently positive, in the sense of being in league with the enlightenment's aims, and inherently negative: he is part and parcel of the failure of the enlightenment.

Second, Adorno's ambivalence towards Freud has a further peculiarity. Not only is Freud intrinsically part of enlightenment culture but, in Adorno's view, Freud provides a conceptual framework through which to view enlightenment critically.