Habermas and Modernity

Jurgen Habermas is one of the leading and one of the most
challenging social theorists of our time. During the past several
decades he has been developing a systematic critical analysis of
modernity - its historical origins, pathologies and future
prospects. He is a thinker who has been uncannily attuned to the
basic moods and vital concerns of contemporary culture. He
stubbornly resists those who claim that Western rationality is
exhausted, that the Enlightenment legacy is dead and that the
project of modernity is a failure. He has elaborated a
comprehensive theory of rationality and the rationalisation
processes of modernisation - one which highlights the
intersubjective character of communicative action. His ambitious
and carefully argues intellectual project invites - indeed commands
- rigorous critical scrutiny.

This collection of critical essays draws together leading
thinkers from a variety of fields in order to assess some of
Habermas's major theses concerning the philosophical, cultural and
social conditions of modernity. In his substantial reply to these
critics Habermas clarifies and defends his view, specifying a range
of new problems which demand further analysis.

This book is an invaluable resource for understanding Habermas's
work and an essential text for anyone who is interested in current
debates about the nature of, ad prospects for, contemporary
societies and modern culture.