This book reconstructs and defends Theodor W. Adorno's practical philosophy against charges of negativity and lack of ethical import. Fabian Freyenhagen argues that Adorno's profound pessimism regarding the contemporary social world is intrinsically linked to his optimism about human potential, which fuels his critique and demand for societal change. The study posits that Adorno espouses a substantive, albeit minimalist, ethics grounded in a pluralistic understanding of societal ills, offering guidance for living a less wrong existence. This work aims to deepen the comprehension of Adorno's thought and contribute significantly to ongoing discussions in moral philosophy.

This study is presented as an important intervention into current debates in moral philosophy, aiming to advance the understanding of Adorno's complex thought. The author's reconstruction of Adorno's practical philosophy directly addresses common perceptions of his work as overly negative and lacking in ethical substance. By linking Adorno's pessimism to his optimism about human potential, the book offers a nuanced perspective on his ethical framework. The work is positioned to engage scholars of Adorno and those interested in contemporary ethical theory.