Jurgen Habermas Quotes

A collection of quotes by Jurgen Habermas.

Jurgen Habermas is a German sociologist and philosopher, widely recognized for his profound contributions to the field of critical theory and social thought. He was born on June 18, 1929, in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Habermas initially studied philosophy and history at the universities of Göttingen and Zurich. Later, he completed his doctorate in philosophy at the University of Bonn. His early philosophical works, influenced by thinkers such as Karl Marx and Ludwig Wittgenstein, focused on language and communication theory.

Throughout his career, Habermas continued to explore the relationship between language, rationality, and social change. He developed the theory of communicative action, which examines how rational discourse shapes societies. Habermas argued for the potential of rational consensus as a means to achieve a just and democratic society.

His landmark work, "The Theory of Communicative Action," published in two volumes in 1981 and 1984, solidified his reputation as a leading social theorist. In this work, he elaborated on his idea of communicative rationality and its role in developing democratic institutions.

Habermas has received numerous accolades for his intellectual contributions, including the prestigious Theodor W. Adorno Award, the Kyoto Prize, and the Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences. He continues to write and engage in scholarly discussions, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and public dialogue in contemporary societies. So far, his work has significantly influenced the fields of sociology, philosophy, political science, and communication studies.

Instead of the international police action we had hoped for

Instead of the international police action we had hoped for during the war in Kosovo, there are wars again - conducted with state-of-the-art technology, but still in the old style.

Jurgen Habermas

Technology

Disappointment over nationalistic authoritarian regimes may

Disappointment over nationalistic authoritarian regimes may have contributed to the fact that today religion offers a new and subjectively more convincing language for old political orientations.

Jurgen Habermas

Religion

I consider Bush's decision to call for a war against terrori

I consider Bush's decision to call for a war against terrorism a serious mistake. He is elevating these criminals to the status of war enemies, and one cannot lead a war against a network if the term war is to retain any definite meaning.

Jurgen Habermas

War