Jurgen Habermas: Critic in the Public Sphere

Jurgen Habermas, the most important intellectual in Germany for the past three decades, has been a seminal contributor to fields ranging from sociology and political science to philosophy and cultural studies. Although considered one of the central figures in philosophy in his native land, he has been less readily accepted outside Germany. Habermas' theoretical work postulates the centrality of communication and understanding, and as such his strategy of debate is marked by a politically informed unity of theory and practice. Robert C. Holub's introduction is the first detailed account of the major debates in which Habermas has engaged since the early sixties. The book stems from Holub's conviction that Habermas' critics have not understood the political strategy behind his various interventions, or the consistency that informs his intellectual activities. Habermas is viewed in dialogue with important philosophical, sociological, and political currents in Germany. Holub demonstrates howHabermas pursues a course that incorporates various aspects of his opponents' positions, while simultaneously defending perceived threats to democracy and open discussion. A lucid and comprehensive introduction to this important contemporary philosopher,Jurgen Habermaswill be required reading for students of philosophy, political theory, cultural studies, and sociology.