Critical Theory Reading Group #3: Adorno, Horkheimer & Fisher

Common Ground Book Club
An in-person reading group exploring critical theory, from the Frankfurt School to contemporary thinkers. We’ll read books and essays, and our discussions will focus on society, power, and modern phenomena: from politics to media and social trends.
Third Meeting
We will discuss these two texts:
1. T. Adorno & M. Horkheimer, The Culture Industry: Enlightenment as Mass Deception (1947): https://monoskop.org/images/9/99/Adorno_Theodor_Horkheimer_Max_1947_2002_The_Culture_Industry_Enlightenment_as_Mass_Deception.pdf
2. M. Fisher, Capitalist Realism, Chapters 1 and 2 (2009): https://dn790002.ca.archive.org/0/items/capitalist-realism-is-there-no-alternative/Capitalist%20Realism_%20Is%20there%20no%20alternativ%20-%20Mark%20Fisher.pdf
Optional readings:
1. T. Adorno, The Culture Industry Reconsidered (1963), p. 98-107: https://irp.cdn-website.com/e401e78b/files/uploaded/adorno_culture_industry.pdf
Who is it for?
No prior philosophy or theory background is required, just curiosity and a willingness to engage. I (the organiser) am not an expert; I just seek other kind souls who want to exchange thoughts ✨
Format
• Readings may be short essays, selected chapters, or full books.
• Each meeting begins with a short recap/introduction of the text.
• Open, informal discussion.
• Everyone is encouraged to bring a passage or question they found interesting, confusing, or provocative.
• Language of discussion: English.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out on Meet-up or Instagram: @commongroundbe