Betrayed Quote by Theodor Adorno
“The metaphysical apologia at least betrayed the injustice of the established order through the incongruence of concept and reality. The impartiality of scientific language deprived what was powerless of the strength to make itself heard and merely provided the existing order with a neutral sign for itself. Such neutrality is more metaphysical than metaphysics.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Dialectic of Enlightenment, Theodor Adorno & Max Horkheimer, 1947
Scientific language claims neutrality but often sustains existing power structures by silencing the powerless.
In simple terms: Neutral language can hide oppression.
Key Takeaway
Question the supposed objectivity of language.
Themes
philosophy
science
power
language
politics
Mood
critical
reflective
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- policy analysis
- media critique
- activism
Key Concepts
critical theory
metaphysics
ideology
silence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape power?
- Can true neutrality exist?
A Different Perspective
Neutrality can be a tool for domination.
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