<p>This important and timely book brings out the centrality of the public sphere to Habermas's overall project and shows how and why he has recently returned to the topic with ever-growing urgency.</p>
- William Outhwaite, Newcastle University,
<p>JĂźrgen Habermas' Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere is undeniably one of the most significant works of political and social analysis written in any language since 1945. And there may be no scholar anywhere who knows more about Habermas' study than Michael Hofmann. Hofmann not only offers a provocative analysis of the strengths and possible weaknesses of Habermas' famous account of the public sphere, but he also creatively suggests why it remains relevant for understanding politics and society.</p>
- William E. Scheuerman, Indiana University,
<p>Hofmann provides a comprehensive study of Habermasâs seminal work on the role of the public sphere in a liberal democracy as well as a deeply informed review of the large critical reception since its publication. This volume will be indispensable for anyone who wishes to understand the importance of the idea of the public sphere not only for Habermasâs entire written corpus but also for any well-functioning democracy.</p>
- Kenneth Baynes, Syracuse University,
<p>In his book, Michael Hofmann develops a philosophical reconstruction and historical contextualization of Habermas' Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere that is as fascinating as it is detailed. Hofmann shows how already this early book by Habermas is not only characterized by a liberal ideology, but that hope in the self-healing powers of liberal reason is deceptive.</p>
- Dirk JÜrke, Technische Universität Darmstadt,
<p>Michael Hofmann knows Habermasâ Structural Transformation inside/out and top-to-bottom. In this study of the development and context of that classic work, he not only demonstrates his unparalleled knowledge; he also illuminates historical events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the origins of the New Left through Habermas. For its historical apercus, broad knowledge and lucid writing, Reading Habermas is essential for those interested in public life and Habermas.</p><p>- Russell Jacoby, Professor Emeritus, Department of History, UCLA, author of Dialectic of Defeat, The Last Intellectuals, On Diversity and other books.</p>
- Russell Jacoby, University of California Los Angeles,
Produktdetaljer
Biographical note
Michael Hofmann is professor of Communication and Multimedia Studies at Florida Atlantic University.