Habermas, the theory of communicative action and public space

Abstract

Abstract The activities surrounding the emergence of Habermas's theory of communicative action can be traced back to the establishment of what is known as the philosophy of Enlightenment. The critical theory, or what is referred to as the "Frankfurt School pioneers," launched an attack on Western Enlightenment rationality, arguing that it had deviated from all principles and values, regressing to a state of barbarism and savagery. This led them to renounce reason and rationality in civilization and enlightenment. This critique was embodied in two works: "The Eclipse of Reason" by Horkheimer and Adorno. In this context, Habermas felt compelled to intervene to rescue reason from the assault it had faced. He embarked on his philosophical project from the crisis of modernity and postmodernity, linking it to his foundational theory, which he called "the theory of communicative action" or "communicative rationality." In this theory, he presented essential concepts from a sociological perspective, diagnosing the state of a sick society and addressing the underlying causes of its ailments, subsequently formulating a comprehensive ideal solution. Thus, he opened contemporary philosophy to the theory of communication, making the concept of communication prevalent in contemporary German sociology. According to Habermas, through communication, it is possible to achieve a rational global system aimed at providing new factors within a postmodern society that make it difficult for its members to act aggressively, which is realized under the establishment of a rational communicative framework. Therefore, what is meant by the theory of communicative action? And on what philosophical background did he base his theory? Keywords: Communicative theory, public space, modernity, rationality, society