A German philosopher and sociologist, heir to the Frankfurt School, who died in March 2026 at 96. He devoted his life to thinking about how reason and dialogue can found a legitimate democracy. He was a constant public voice in postwar Germany, defending European integration and open debate among citizens.
Core ideas
Legitimate norms are those that everyone affected would accept in free dialogue
The public sphere is the space where citizens debate and keep power in check
Communicative action aims at mutual understanding, not just personal success
The tradition: Critical theory
Critical theory, born in the Frankfurt School, analyzes society to reveal domination and point toward paths of emancipation. Habermas is the leading name of its second generation.
