Habermas and Politics

Abstract

A critical introduction to Jürgen Habermas’ political thought and his theory of power Combines sociological and philosophical analysis of Habermas’ work to make sense of his distinctive approach to political theory Situates Habermas’s political theory in relation to Continental theorists – including Benjamin, Schmitt, Foucault, Lefort and Rancière – and current schools of Anglo-American political philosophy – such as anarchism, liberalism and republicanism Surveys of the critical literature at the end of each chapter to provide suggestions for further reading Jürgen Habermas has come to be viewed as the unofficial philosopher laureate of the European Union. But why have his contributions to contemporary political theory commanded such attention? This book brings to life the ideas of a unique thinker, an heir to the Enlightenment legacy, a champion of reason and democracy, a social theorist of unusual sophistication and an astute commentator on contemporary politics. Unified by a central focus on the theme of power, the book guides you through the sociological and philosophical perspectives that are essential to Habermas’s political theory. It situates the philosopher’s political thinking in relation to key Continental theorists such as Carl Schmitt and Michel Foucault as well as current debates in Anglo-American political philosophy.