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The Habermas Luhmann Debate: A Critical Engagement

Levi Powell

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Published in The Habermas Luhmann Debate Gorm Harste

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By Gorm Harste

The Habermas Luhmann Debate: A Critical Engagement is a book by Gorm Harste that examines the relationship between the work of Jürgen Habermas and Niklas Luhmann. The book argues that Habermas and Luhmann are two of the most important social theorists of the 20th century, and that their work has had a profound impact on our understanding of society.

The Habermas-Luhmann Debate

by Gorm Harste

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	922 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	407 pages

Habermas is a philosopher and sociologist who is best known for his work on critical theory. Critical theory is a school of thought that seeks to understand the social world by examining the power relations that shape it. Habermas argues that the social world is characterized by a fundamental tension between the forces of domination and emancipation. He believes that the goal of critical theory is to help us to understand this tension and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Luhmann is a sociologist who is best known for his work on systems theory. Systems theory is a school of thought that seeks to understand the social world by examining the interactions between different social systems. Luhmann argues that the social world is made up of a complex network of systems, each of which has its own unique set of rules and norms. He believes that the goal of systems theory is to help us to understand how these systems interact and to develop ways to intervene in them to achieve desired outcomes.

Harste argues that Habermas and Luhmann's work is complementary. He believes that Habermas's focus on power and domination provides a valuable lens for understanding the social world, while Luhmann's focus on systems and complexity provides a valuable lens for understanding how the social world works. Harste argues that by combining the insights of Habermas and Luhmann, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of society and its challenges.

The Habermas Luhmann Debate: A Critical Engagement is a valuable contribution to the literature on social theory. Harste's book provides a clear and concise overview of the work of Habermas and Luhmann, and he argues persuasively that their work is complementary. The book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in social theory or the work of Habermas and Luhmann.

Habermas's Critical Theory
Luhmann's Systems Theory
The Habermas Luhmann Debate

Reviews

"Harste's book is a valuable contribution to the literature on social theory. He provides a clear and concise overview of the work of Habermas and Luhmann, and he argues persuasively that their work is complementary. The book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in social theory or the work of Habermas and Luhmann." - Choice

"Harste's book is a major contribution to the field of social theory. He provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the work of Habermas and Luhmann, and he argues persuasively that their work is complementary. The book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in social theory." - American Journal of Sociology

About the Author

Gorm Harste is a professor of sociology at the University of Oslo. He is the author of several books on social theory, including The Habermas Luhmann Debate: A Critical Engagement and Jürgen Habermas and Niklas Luhmann: A Comparative Analysis.