New Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere and Deliberative Politics

Sixty years after the publication of his classic book «The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere» (1962), Jürgen Habermas — a key figure in contemporary political philosophy — returns to this topic. Continuing to emphasize the central role of the public sphere in Western political life, Habermas traces significant changes that it has undergone under the influence of digital media and social networks. Overall, while assessing the new digital transformation pessimistically and noting the degradation of publicity, the philosopher also analyzes positive trends and responds to multifaceted criticism. Summarizing his work in political theory and sociology, the author concludes that Western regimes cannot seriously claim to call themselves «democracies» without the actual involvement of citizens in discussions concerning each member of society.

Jürgen Habermas (b. 1929) — political philosopher, emeritus professor at Frankfurt University, and one of the most significant representatives of the second generation of the Frankfurt School.