Autonomy and Conformity: Adorno's Analysis of the Liberal Theory Education

Abstract

THIS paper is essentially expository. For the first time in the English language, it describes in detail Theodor Adorno's analysis of the liberal theory of education. Adorno is the major figure associated with what is known as the Frankfurt School of critical theorists. Adorno conceives of the development of liberal theory in terms of a dialectical struggle between the principles of individual autonomy and social conformity, a process which has led to contemporary educational failures and difficulties. However, Adorno sees in liberalism not only the root of current problems but also the elements of a solution to these problems.