HABERMAS An Introduction

Jurgen Habermas is perhaps the leading intellectual figure in contemporary Europe. His work stands in marked contrast to the theoreticians of the post-modern in its steadfast adherence to the Enlightenment program of rationality, humanism and respect for the unique possibilities of human discourse. Detlef Horster has prepared a detailed survey of Habermas's major works including The Theory of Communicative Action. He shows the influences that shaped Habermas's development and discusses how Habermas has synthesized the various theoretical approaches of philosophy, sociology, linguistics, psychology and social criticism. Habermas's own perspective on his work is revealed in an intriguing interview with Horster and Contributor W. van Reijen.