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About this quote

What does it mean?
When we think of universal wrong in abstract, concrete responsibility disappears.
In plain terms
Abstract notions of universal wrong erase specific responsibility.
What can you take from it?
Ground moral discussions in concrete actions to retain responsibility.

Where it applies

  • political debate
  • ethical education
  • activism

Putting it to work

  • link universal principles to specific duties

Questions to consider

  • How does abstraction affect my sense of duty?
  • Can universal concepts help assign responsibility?

Another view

Abstract frameworks can guide concrete responsibility when applied carefully.

More from Theodor Adorno

  1. 'In psycho-analysis nothing is true except the exaggerations.'

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  2. 'In the age of the individual's liquidation, the question of individuality must be raised anew.'

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  3. 'In many people it is already an impertinence to say 'I'.'

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