Theodor W. Adorno (Theodor Wiesengrund Adorno)

Theodor W. Adorno was a 20th-century German philosopher, social theorist, and musicologist known for his critical approach to society and culture. He analyzed how culture, media, and capitalism influence individuals' thoughts and behaviors, often arguing that popular culture can manipulate and pacify the masses. Adorno emphasized the importance of critical thinking and the need to challenge dominant ideologies. His work helps us understand the social roots of inequality and the ways culture can both reflect and reinforce societal power structures. He is a foundational figure in critical theory and the Frankfurt School of social thought.