TCD - VÍDEO 010 - HABERMAS

Summary

In this lecture, the speaker outlines Jürgen Habermas's theory of communicative action, emphasizing that language is not just a tool for transmitting information but an active process shaping social realities. The theory builds upon speech act theory and explores communication's dual dimensions: rational (informational) and psychological (emotional). Habermas argues that communication facilitates mutual understanding and social integration, with consensus arising from dialogue. The speaker connects this theory to the role of social institutions like religion and law in shaping societal norms and moral development, ultimately fostering a community of speakers aimed at creating social change through communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 Habermas' communicative action theory builds on earlier speech act theory, emphasizing the role of language in shaping social actions and understanding.
• 😀 According to Habermas, communication involves two main roles: the emitter (speaker) and the receptor (listener), with a shared expectation of understanding.
• 😀 Communication is not always harmonious; true communication occurs when both parties achieve mutual understanding through dialogue.
• 😀 Habermas distinguishes between two levels of communication: the rational (logical) and the psychological (emotion-driven), both influencing social cooperation.
• 😀 A society is built upon these communicative actions, where psychological states and social structures are interconnected.
• 😀 Socialization and the development of moral and legal systems are influenced by communicative actions, shaping societal norms and behaviors.
• 😀 The concept of 'third observer' (religious or institutional figure) plays a role in societal organization, acting as a moral and structural guide for individuals.
• 😀 Habermas' theory explores how societal institutions like religion historically served as mechanisms for social control, but this has evolved over time.
• 😀 The notion of consensus is central to Habermas' theory, where social change is driven by dialogue and the pursuit of common understanding in a community of speakers.
• 😀 When consensus is absent, dissent occurs, which often leads to societal tensions; however, dialogue and the exchange of opinions can eventually create consensus.
• 😀 The theory emphasizes that even modern societies, despite reduced religious influence, still rely on mechanisms of social control and communication for their functioning.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lecture in this transcript?

The main focus of the lecture is on the theory of communicative action developed by Jürgen Habermas, with connections to the Frankfurt School, speech act theory, and the role of communication in shaping society and individual psychology.

What does Habermas's theory of communicative action emphasize?

Habermas's theory emphasizes the idea that communication is a shared process between the speaker (emissor) and the listener (receptor), where understanding is achieved through mutual comprehension and interpretative processes.

How does Habermas's view of communication differ from that of other theorists like Luhmann?

Habermas believes communication occurs when both the speaker and listener reach mutual understanding based on common interpretations. Luhmann, on the other hand, focuses more on systems theory, seeing communication as a process of information exchange within societal systems, rather than a direct dialogue aimed at understanding.

What role does 'mutual understanding' play in Habermas's communicative action?

Mutual understanding is central to Habermas's theory. Communication, for him, only occurs when the speaker's message is interpreted correctly by the receiver, and both share a common understanding of the message. This shared understanding helps in building consensus.

What are 'assertoric' and 'performative' judgments in the context of language?

'Assertoric' judgments are statements made about reality or facts (e.g., declarations about the world), while 'performative' judgments refer to actions or behaviors that are communicated through language, such as expressing feelings or intentions.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between communication and society?

The speaker suggests that communication is foundational to the formation and functioning of society. Through communication, individuals establish shared norms, values, and expectations, which structure societal relationships and institutions.

What is the significance of the 'third observer' in the transcript?

The 'third observer' is a metaphor for an external, objective perspective that observes and evaluates social behavior. In historical contexts, this was represented by religious figures or institutions, and in modern society, it is reflected in moral values or the concept of the 'superego' in psychological terms.

How does the concept of 'consensus' relate to social order in this theory?

Consensus is crucial for social order, as it represents an agreement among members of a society about shared beliefs, values, and norms. This consensus is often reached through communication and dialogue, and it provides the foundation for cooperation and social cohesion.

What is the role of language in shaping the individual's psychological state?

Language plays a vital role in shaping an individual's psychological state, as it is not only a means of communication but also a way of expressing and managing internal thoughts, emotions, and social interactions, which are deeply linked to the individual's psyche.

What example does the speaker use to illustrate the formation of social values in children?

The speaker uses the example of a child's development, where communication through play, attention from parents, and the gradual understanding of moral and social rules contribute to the child's absorption of societal values and the concept of 'otherness' or alterity.