Jürgen Habermas (born 18 June 1929) is a German sociologist and philosopher in the tradition of critical theory and pragmatism. He is perhaps best known for his theories on communicative rationality and the public sphere - wikipedia 
Jürgen Habermas during a discussion in the Munich School of Philosophy
- wikimedia.org
In 2014, Prospect readers chose Habermas as one of their favourites among the "world's leading thinkers."
Associated with the neo-Marxist Frankfurt School, Habermas's work focuses on the foundations of social theory and epistemology, the analysis of advanced capitalistic societies and democracy, the rule of law in a critical social-evolutionary context, and contemporary politics, particularly German politics.
Habermas's theoretical system is devoted to revealing the possibility of reason, emancipation, and rational-critical communication latent in modern institutions and in the human capacity to deliberate and pursue rational interests.
Habermas is known for his work on the concept of modernity, particularly with respect to the discussions of rationalization originally set forth by Max Weber. He has been influenced by American pragmatism, action theory, and even poststructuralism.
# See also * Biography * Sociology and philosophy * Habermas versus postmodernists * Key dialogues * Awards * Major works * See also * References * Further reading * External links