Transformation of critical theory into apology in the work of Jurgen Habermas

Abstract

In the paper is analyzed transformation of one part of 'critical theoreticians' into apologists and ideologists of the new old world capitalist order, within the context of twentieth century social conflicts. In the focus of attention is the article 'Bestiality and Humanism - A War on the Border between Law and Moral', that Habermas published during the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and criminal violation of all valid national and international legal norms. It is demonstrated that HabermasÆ substitution of the critique of the gap between the preconditions for reasoned communication and real conditions of distorted communication, by moralizing justification of imperialist elimination of the gap between legality and supposed efficacy of the human rightsÆ defense, conducted to the abandonment of critical theoryÆs constitutive elements.

Keywords

• critical theory
• apology
• ideology
• new old world capitalist order