Aesthetics and Modernity from Schiller to the Frankfurt School

This collection of essays explores the intricate relationship between aesthetics and modernity from the late Enlightenment to the Frankfurt School, engaging with key figures and themes in socio-cultural and aesthetic theory.

Aesthetics and Modernity from Schiller to the Frankfurt School explores the intricate and often conflicting relationships between aesthetics and modernity, spanning from the late Enlightenment period in the 1790s to the Frankfurt School's influence in the 1960s. The essays delve into the classic German tradition of socio-cultural and aesthetic theory, highlighting the contributions of influential figures such as Friedrich Schiller and Theodor W. Adorno. By situating aesthetic theory within broader social and cultural frameworks, the book offers a comprehensive examination of various artistic practices across literature, drama, music, and visual arts.

The collection of essays addresses a range of topics, including Schiller's writings and their connections to moral sentimentalism and Romantic aesthetics. It also engages with the works of notable philosophers such as Kierkegaard, Benjamin, Heidegger, and Adorno. The thematic discussions encompass diverse subjects, including Darwinism and Naturalism, modern tragedy, postmodern realism, and philosophical anthropology, tracing their evolution from the eighteenth century to contemporary thought.

This book is the result of an international symposium organized by the University of Nottingham at the Institute of German and Romance Studies in London in September 2009. It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the intersections of aesthetics and modernity, offering insights into how these concepts have shaped cultural discourse over the centuries.