The Theory of Communicative Action, Volume 2 : LifeWorld and System - A Critique of Functionalist Reason

Jürgen Habermas; Thomas McCarthy (Translator)

ISBN 10: 0745605397 / ISBN 13: 9780745605395

Published by Polity Press, Cambridge, 1991

About this Item

Dust jacket fully intact, only lightly rubbed at edges. Text underlined in pencil on a few pages only. Otherwise, a good used copy.Publisher's note: The author examines the relations between action concepts and systems theory and elaborates a framework for analyzing the developmental tendencies of modern societies. Size: 23 x 15 cm. 457 pp. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilo. Category: Philosophy; Sociology--Philosophy; Rationalism; Social action; Communication--Philosophy; Functionalism (Linguistics); Functionalism (Social sciences); ISBN: 0745605397. ISBN/EAN: 9780745605395. Add. Inventory No: 240113SRQ014056.

Seller Inventory # 240113SRQ014056

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Theory of Communicative Action, Volume 2 : LifeWorld and System - A Critique of Functionalist Reason
• Publisher: Polity Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745605397
• ISBN 13: 9780745605395
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • Philosophy

About this title

Synopsis

"The Theory of Communicative Action" offers nothing less than a systematic reconstruction of the theoretical foundations and framework of critical social theory. In this second and final volume of the work, Habermas examines the relations between action concepts and systems theory and elaborates a framework for analyzing the developmental tendencies of modern societies. He discusses in detail the work of Marx, Durkheim, G.H. Mead and Talcott Parsons, among others. By distinguishing between social systems and what he calls the "life-world", the author is able to analyse the ways in which the development of social systems impinges upon the symbolic and subjective dimensions of social life, resulting in the kind of crises, conflicts and protest movements which are characteristic of advanced capitalist societies in the late 20th century.