Reading Habermas - by Michael Hofmann (Paperback)

About the Book

Reading Habermas: Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere provides comprehensive guidance to understanding the complex methodologies of Habermas's global academic best seller. This timely guide parallels Habermas's publications from 2021 and 2022 about a new structural transformation of political will-formation caused primarily by the digital dominance of social media platforms.

Book Synopsis

Reading Habermas: Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere provides comprehensive guidance to understanding the complex methodologies of Habermas's global academic best seller. This timely guide parallels Habermas's publications from 2021 and 2022 about a new structural transformation of political will-formation caused primarily by the digital dominance of social media platforms.

Review Quotes

For those concerned about the rise of ldquo;post-truthrdquo; politics and the apparent erosion of constitutional norms in well-established constitutional democracies, Juuml;rgen Habermasrsquo;s classic Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere is essential reading. Guided by his insight that the health of a democracy is connected to the health of its public sphere, Habermas provides a valuable examination of the nature and conditions of constitutional government and a critique of the degeneration of public argument into modes of mass manipulation. Hofmannrsquo;s Reading Habermas: Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere is perhaps the most detailed reading guide in English for Habermasrsquo;s book. Hofmann places it under the microscope and links Habermasrsquo;s study to a broader intellectual history, the development of neoliberalism, and particular historical events. Reading Habermas is an extraordinary piece of Habermas scholarship and a valuable contribution to discussions about the relation between political economy and democratic theory. Highly recommended. Graduate students and faculty.

Hofmann provides a comprehensive study of Habermasrsquo;s seminal work on the role of the public sphere in a liberal democracy as well as a deeply informed review of the large critical reception since its publication. This volume will be indispensable for anyone who wishes to understand the importance of the idea of the public sphere not only for Habermasrsquo;s entire written corpus but also for any well-functioning democracy.

In his book, Michael Hofmann develops a philosophical reconstruction and historical contextualization of Habermas#39; Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere that is as fascinating as it is detailed. Hofmann shows how already this early book by Habermas is not only characterized by a liberal ideology, but that hope in the self-healing powers of liberal reason is deceptive.

Juuml;rgen Habermas#39; Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere is undeniably one of the most significant works of political and social analysis written in any language since 1945. And there may be no scholar anywhere who knows more about Habermas#39; study than Michael Hofmann. Hofmann not only offers a provocative analysis of the strengths and possible weaknesses of Habermas#39; famous account of the public sphere, but he also creatively suggests why it remains relevant for understanding politics and society.

Michael Hofmann knows Habermasrsquo; Structural Transformation inside/out and top-to-bottom. In this study of the development and context of that classic work, he not only demonstrates his unparalleled knowledge; he also illuminates historical events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the origins of the New Left through Habermas. For its historical apercus, broad knowledge and lucid writing, Reading Habermas is essential for those interested in public life and Habermas.

This important and timely book brings out the centrality of the public sphere to Habermas#39;s overall project and shows how and why he has recently returned to the topic with ever-growing urgency.

About the Author

Michael Hofmann is professor of Communication and Multimedia Studies at Florida Atlantic University.