Messianism and Democracy in Walter Benjamin: Readings between Europe and Latin America

Abstract

This contribution will be structured as follows: First, in order to properly understand the conception of history underlying this text –which focuses on the concept of “redemption” (Rettung)– we will first attempt to analyze his conception of “criticism as mortification of works” and its difference from the “criticism of ideology” of the first generation of the Frank-furt School (Marcuse in particular). This passage is essential because Benjamin is often interpreted as an author close to this school, whereas he deviates considerably from it in terms of his philosophical, methodological, and –therefore– political assumptions. Second, we will analyze the consequences of this conception of criticism when it addresses history and especially the concept of “progress.” According to Benjamin, in fact, “redemption” does not occur at the culmination of constant and endless progress toward the better (Kant), but through a catastrophic interruption of history: every “second is the little door through which the Messiah can enter,” that is, every historical moment contains the potential for radical change.

Thirdly, we will analyze the relationship of this “Copernican revolution” in the way of thinking about history to the conception of historical materialism by comparing two interpretations of the political nature inherent in this writing, that of Jürgen Habermas and that of Michael Löwy. Finally, fourthly, we will attempt to draw conclusions from our discourse, questioning the relevance of Benjamin’s concept of social and political criticism with regard to the possible link between democracy and messianism in modern (secularized) societies.