The Triple Application of Hegelian Dialectics in the Dialectic of Enlightenment
Horkheimer and Adorno's Dialectic of Enlightenment bears a profound influence of Hegelian dialectics,in its application of this method at three levels:at the macroscopic level,it employs Hegel's"Dialectic of Alienation";at the mesoscopic level,it draws on the"Dialectic of Enlightenment"from Phenomenology of Spirit;and at the microscopic level,it utilizes the"Master-Slave Dialectic"from the same work.Through these layers,the Enlightenment is interpreted as a process of self-alienation,wherein the anthropomorpic world created by subjectivity,rationality and humanity turns against its own creators.While formally aligning with Hegelian dialectics,this interpretation deviates from it in substance,falling into the paradox of desiring a reconciliation and resisting identity at the same time.