Nature

Carl Cassegård

Chapter 14 in Research Handbook on Critical Theory, 2026, pp 151-161 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Nature has long been central to critical theorists, and today the interest of critical theory in nature has also been bolstered by the rise of ecological awareness. Yet, the approach to nature among critical theorists is far from unitary. In this chapter, I draw on Theodor W. Adorno's negative dialectics to argue that critical theory is animated by a critical materialism that relies on experiences of non-identity to undermine and subvert reified social forms imposed on nature. While this procedure can be characterised as a sort of immanent critique, it is not purely negative. It also involves a search for alternative ways of expressing the experience of non-identity. While conceptual systems can never do justice to our experiences of nature, concepts still play a crucial role, as shown in what Adorno calls constellations. In the chapter, I argue for the fruitfulness of using constellations in studying nature.

Keywords: Natural History; Immanent critique; Constellation; Materialism; Constructivism; Realism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781800373754
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