Second Nature and Illusion in the Young Th. W. Adorno: Programmatic Notes on “The Idea of Natural History”

Abstract

This article delves into Adorno’s early text, “The Idea of Natural History”,
which can be seen as a precursor to a research proto-program focused on
the problem of illusion. From the theoretical, methodological, and normative
framework of critical theory, this article’s hypothesis holds that Adorno’s early
text provides essential resources for understanding his intellectual project
as a sophisticated theory of illusion capable of uncovering the structures
underlying the apparent forms of modern reality. The article begins by
examining the context in which the text was developed and then analyzes the
influence of Lukács and Benjamin on Adorno’s concept of second nature. It
then discusses illusion as an “authentic problem of natural-history” and traces
the presence of this theme throughout Adorno’s work, suggesting that it could
be interpreted as a critical theory of illusion. Finally, the article emphasizes
the relevance of this underlying theme for understanding Adorno’s theoretical
proposal, especially in a contemporary context where deciphering illusion
is crucial for understanding the multiple dimensions and challenges of our
societies.