Date: Fri, 19 May 1995 20:41:14 +0200 (CST)
From: Dr Frederik van Gelder <Gelder-AT-em.uni-frankfurt.de>
Subject: Re: HAB: Critical Theory and Christianity



On Thu, 18 May 1995, leo meeks wrote: > > i notice that you use the term
positive religion in describing the > refusal of critical theory to
ascribe normative character to any system;  > what exactly do you make of
habermas' assertion that Adorno's negative > dialectic is a sort of
ascetic practise theory of communicative action I, > 383ff? 
***************************** 

I dealt extensively with the relationship Habermas/Adorno in my book: 
*Habermas' Begriff des Historischen Materialismus*.  This I mention not
because I find this to be so important, but because the issues you raise
are so general that I find it very difficult to say something usefull in a
few sentences. I have no quarrel with Habermas' insistence that an
analysis of the way we human beings communicate is ONE way of returning to
those questions once dealt with under the heading of 'dialectics'. My
impression is rather that most of us spend most of our time doing what
Habermas suggests has systematic causes accessible to rational analysis: 
namely that we talk past one another. In his terminology: a consensus
between two or more human beings on anything whatsoever - but most
especially on anything to do with norms of action - is becoming a rarity, 
while the reasons for this are rational and can be probed. I find it 
interesting that a medium which makes it literally possible to 
communicate with anyone anywhere at anytime - ie. this internet - has 
made it necessary to invent a term like 'flame'.  

Do'nt know whether this helps, or is useful, or even why I feel strongly 
enough about it to make my opinions known. 


I wo'nt be able to read/respond to mails again until the beginning of 
June. Any mail addressed to me will be pondered upon, read 
closely/sympathetically. That may not be much, but in this day and age 
it's something. I hope.


Regards,

Dr. Frederik van Gelder
Institut fuer Sozialforschung
University of Frankfurt