Synthesized answer
The central thesis of *The Theory of Communicative Action* is guided by three interrelated concerns. These are: to develop a concept of communicative rationality not tied to subjective and individualistic premises of modern social and political theory; to construct a two-level concept of society integrating the 'lifeworld' and 'system' paradigms; and to sketch out a critical theory of modernity explaining its sociopathologies in a new way [Passage 2].
The book approaches these tasks by developing a sociological theory of action that emphasizes the need to coordinate action socially via communication, rather than its means-ends or teleological aspects [Passage 2]. It also involves arguments on foundational issues like cultural and historical relativism, the methodology of Verstehen, and the inseparability of interpretation from critique [Passage 1].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
the introductory chapter Habermas sets out a powerful series of arguments on such foundational issues as cultural and historical relativism, the methodology of Verstehen, the inseparabilty of interpretation from critique. In addition to clarifying the normative foundations of critical social inquiry, this sets the stage for a systematic appropriation of Weber's theory of rationalization and its Marxist reception by Lukacs, Horkheimer and Adorno. This is an important book for degree students of philosophy, sociology and related subjects. Categories: Philosophy Pages: 454 Snippet: This is an…
Title: The Theory of Communicative Action by Jürgen Habermas Description: Here, for the first time in English, is volume one of Jurgen Habermas's long-awaited magnum opus: The Theory of Communicative Action. This pathbreaking work is guided by three interrelated concerns: (1) to develop a concept of communicative rationality that is no longer tied to the subjective and individualistic premises of modern social and political theory; (2) to construct a two-level concept of society that integrates the 'lifeworld' and 'system' paradigms; and (3) to sketch out a critical theory of modernity that…