Theory of the Social Function of the Purposelessness

Abstract

Theory of the Social Function of the Purposelessness. – The tension between institutions and free human development (humanistic ideal) is usually seen: one eliminates the other. Wilhelm von Humboldt created a theory according to which humanistic ideal helps to develop social institutions, even though this ideal seems to be purposeless. An analogous idea can be found in Adorno who formulated it in the context of the social function of art. The attempt of this paper is to show how the condition of institutions depends on the development of humanistic ideal.