Habermas and the Public Sphere

by Craig J. Calhoun (Editor)

In this book, scholars from a wide range of disciplines respond to Habermas's most directly relevant work, The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere. The relationship between civil society and public life is in the forefront of contemporary discussion. No single scholarly voice informs this discussion more than that of Jürgen Habermas. His contributions have shaped the nature of debates over critical theory, feminism, cultural studies, and democratic politics. In this book, scholars from a wide range of disciplines respond to Habermas's most directly relevant work, The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere. From political theory to cultural criticism, from ethics to gender studies, from history to media studies, these essays challenge, refine, and extend our understanding of the social foundations and changing character of democracy and public discourse. Contributors
Hannah Arendt, Keith Baker, Seyla Benhabib, Harry C. Boyte, Craig Calhoun, Geoff Eley, Nancy Fraser, Nicholas Garnham, Jürgen Habermas, Peter Hohendahl, Lloyd Kramer, Benjamin Lee, Thomas McCarthy, Moishe Postone, Mary P. Ryan, Michael Schudson, Michael Warner, David Zaret

Genres: Philosophy, Sociology, Theory, Academic, Nonfiction, Social Science, Politics

498 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read a few of the articles in this collection, but they seemed like good companion pieces to Jurgen Habermas' The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere, adding depth, detail, and complication to both Habermas' theories and general ideas about the public sphere.
As with all edited collections or anthologies, the styles and the quality of these articles varied significantly. Some I really liked, for instance Nancy Fraser's article raised some really good counter-points about Habermas'assumptions regarding the public sphere.

[Enrico]

I got bored.

[Nick McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, comprehensive, starting point for developing an understanding and critique of Habermas' public sphere. I read roughly half the articles, of which I found Calhouns introduction, Habermas' Further Reflections and the essays of Fraser and Eley most informative. Would definitely recommend to anyone studying early Habermas.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looks good in a dissertation reference list.

[Lindsay Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

an edited volume of reactions to habermas' transformation of the public sphere. fraser's feminist critique is the most interesting.

[Missflinh]

Some of the chapters are interesting.

[Eric Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

cultural theory

[Scott Neigh]

Read partly but intensively for school.

[Mike Rancourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note particularly Fraser's chapter. Subaltern regroupment, multiple public spheres, etc...

[Mi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like it at all.

[Alexander Asay · Rating 3 out of 5]

ISU: Independent Study