Problemy z dyskursem. Czytając Jürgena Habermasa

In: Folia philosophica, Heft 25, S. 111-131

Abstract

The author of the paper presents some critical opinions (including her own) on Habermas'
conception of language and discourse. At the same time she strives to explain the main
controversies which arise from Habermas' key categories. For example Habermas seems to
compare the structure of society with the structure of language, underlining the importance of
common practice of speech acts. But is there still any room for such communicative activity in the
modern postindustrial world? And, first of all, must we really concentrate all our efforts on
promoting the communicative rationality? The results of universalization principle, as well as the
interrelations between communicative action and discourse (both highlighted in the paper) belong
to other problems of Habermas' philosophy. The paper discusses weak points or even
inconsistencies which can be noticed in these conceptions. Finally the author reflects on
Habermas' ideal speech situation and on "the utopia touch" in Habermas' seemingly practical
concepts.