Inversion and Interconversion: A Comparative Study on the Negative Dimension of Adorno’s Inverse Theology and Pre-Qin Daoist Thought

Abstract

Negativity is an important dimension in both Adorno’s inverse theology and the theological thought of pre-Qin Daoism. Firstly, both have a negative thinking and approach. Adorno inherited the Jewish idea of “forbidden images” and negative theology, and his negative dialectics is just a negative method. The pre-Qin Daoist description of the Dao and its laws are also negative. Secondly, in terms of negative language, Adorno insists on a negative discourse, arguing that concepts cannot fully express objects, and that the purpose of philosophy is to “express the inexpressible”. The pre-Qin Daoist idea of “no name” is also a negative discourse. Adorno and Zhuangzi both attempted to express truth in a non-conceptual language. Finally, negativity is the essence of social criticism and redemption. Both Adorno and the pre-Qin Daoists were in the midst of social collapse. Adorno argued that redemption could only be expected from an inner criticism of society and through the art of negativity. And the philosophy of Laozi and Zhuangzi was ultimately understood as the spirit of Chinese art. However, Adorno’s negativity contains the idea of intermediation, while the negativity of Laozi and Zhuangzi’s thought is based on the idea of interconversion. The ideas of the two can be informed by each other.