Theory of Communicative Action, Volume 2: Lifeworld and Systems, a Critique of Functionalist Reason, Volume 2: 1

Habermas, Jurgen

ISBN 10: 0745607705 / ISBN 13: 9780745607702

Published by Polity, 1989

About this Item

Fine copy. No additions.

Seller Inventory # 045510

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Theory of Communicative Action, Volume 2: Lifeworld and Systems, a Critique of Functionalist Reason, Volume 2: 1
• Publisher: Polity
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745607705
• ISBN 13: 9780745607702
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 5th or later Printin
• Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

This study offers a systematic reconstruction of the theoretical foundations and framework of critical social theory. It is Habermas' "magnum opus", and it is regarded as one of the most important works of modern social thought. In this second and final volume of the work, Habermas examines the relations between action concepts and systems theory and elaborates a framework for analyzing the developmental tendencies of modern societies. He discusses in detail the work of Marx, Durkheim, G.H. Mead and Talcott Parsons, among others. By distinguishing between social systems and what he calls the "life-world", Habermas is able to analyze the ways in which the development of social systems impinges upon the symbolic and subjective dimensions of social life, resulting in the kind of crises, conflicts and protest movements which are characteristic of advanced capitalist societies in the late-20th century.

About the Author

Jürgen Habermas is a German philosopher and sociologist in the tradition of critical theory and pragmatism. He is perhaps best known for his theories on communicative rationality and the public sphere. In 2014, Prospect readers chose Habermas as one of their favourites among the "world's leading thinkers". Thomas McCarthy is the author of The Theory of Communicative Action: Lifeworld and Systems, a Critique of Functionalist Reason, Volume 2, published by Wiley.