Possibility is a concept central to both philosophy and social theory. But in what philosophical soil, if any, does the possibility of a better society grow? At the intersection of metaphysics and social theory, What Would Be Different looks to Theodor W. Adorno to reflect on the relationship between the possible and the actual. In repeated allusions to utopia, redemption, and reconciliation, Adorno appears to reference a future that would break decisively with the social injustices that have characterized history. To this end, and though he never explains it in any detail—let alone in the form of a full-blown theory or metaphysics—he also makes extensive technical use of the concept of possibility. Taking Adorno's critical readings of other thinkers, especially Hegel and Heidegger, as his guiding thread, Iain Macdonald reflects on possibility as it relates to Adorno's own writings and offers answers to the question of how we are to articulate such possibilities without lapsing into a vague and naïve utopianism.

Sarah and Nathan grew up together playing in the estate fields, but their friendship could go no further as she was the daughter of a worker and he was the masters son. But unbeknownst to her family, Sarahs friends helped the relationship develop to love, and they demonstrated that love in the bluebell wood one spring. But his family would not accept the consequences and took matters into their own hands, which would leave Sarah with having to keep a lifelong secret. Could she do the right thing? It is a story of how family ties and close friendships are needed by us all to cope with what life deals us and how life-changing decisions could affect us all.

At the intersection of metaphysics and social theory, this book presents and examines Adorno's unusual concept of possibility and aims to answer how we are to articulate the possibility of a redeemed life without lapsing into a vague and naïve utopianism.

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