Overview

This book provides an understanding of the content and aims of Habermas's critical theory of society - the theory that analyzes the causes of our cultural lack of direction, polical apathy, and the increasing complexity of modern society. The author offers a foothold on the current debates regarding the credibility and cogency of the theory. Braaten presents Habermas's defense of his critique of reason in his most recent work concerning the confrontation between postmodernists and neoconservatives, and modernists and liberal theorists. She also explores the possibility of applying Habermas's critical resources in the United States in ways that he himself may not have considered.

Full Product Details

Author:   Jane Braaten
Publisher:   State University of New York Press
Imprint:   State University of New York Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.313kg
ISBN:  

9780791407608

ISBN 10:   0791407608
Pages:   202
Publication Date:   19 September 1991
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. An Outline of Habermas's Critical Theory 2. A Consensus Theory of Truth and Knowledge The Meaning of 'Truth"" A Problem 3. A Consensus Theory of Normative Validity Discursive Will Formation and Need Interpretation Generalizable Interests and the Principle of Univeralization Justifying the Principle of Universalization 4. The Theory of Communicative Competence Aesthetic-Expressive Rationality Communicative Action and Communicative Rationality Formal Pragmatics: An Overview Does Communicative Competence Entail an Interest in Reaching Understanding Communicative Rationality Again 5. The Critique of Societal Rationalization The Lifeworld and the Method of Understanding The System and Functional Explanation The Critique of Modern Society Methodological Issues 6. Two Challenges: Positivism and Postmodernism Habermas and the Legacy of Positivism The Defense of Modernism 7. Critical Applications of the Theory The End of Public Debate: The Mass Media The Politics of Need Interpretation and the Welfare System Social Psychology as Social Ignorance: A Critical Approach to Social Psychology Concluding Remarks Notes Bibliography Index

Reviews

The book presents some very complex topics and views in an uncluttered manner. This is not easy to do, and the author has done it well. - Kenneth Baynes, State University of New York at Stony Brook

""The book presents some very complex topics and views in an uncluttered manner. This is not easy to do, and the author has done it well."" - Kenneth Baynes, State University of New York at Stony Brook

Author Information

Jane Braaten is Assistant Professor at Hampshire College and Mt. Holyoke College.

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