JÜRGEN HABERMAS ON DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY (original) (raw)

This dissertation explores the concept of deliberative democracy in the public sphere put forward by Jürgen Habermas. He defines the public sphere as a space where citizens engage in open and rational-critical deliberation on matters of shared concern. He also defines deliberative democracy, as a democratic model that emphasizes the importance of informed and reasoned deliberation in the decision-making process. Habermas argues that the public sphere is a forum for citizens to exchange views backed up by valid arguments or reasons and evidence related to public issues. Through rational-critical discourse, participants can evaluate different viewpoints based on their merits and foster informed decision-making. This process encourages citizens to critically engage with diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and reach well-grounded conclusions collectively. While Habermas's theory highlights the importance of rational-critical discourse and inclusive deliberation, it has faced criticisms regarding its exclusionary aspects, neglect of power dynamics, and normative assumptions. Media representation may also perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize and minority certain groups, further limiting their participation in the public sphere and undermining the inclusivity of deliberative democracy. To safeguard deliberative democracy in the face of these challenges, this dissertation suggests that, it is important to address issues that promote media pluralism and independence, and strive for equal access to resources and political influence. This can also advance our understanding of deliberative democratic processes and contribute to the development of more robust and inclusive forms of deliberative democracy. Transparency and accountability mechanisms can help reduce the undue influence of money and power. Furthermore, exploring alternative perspectives and incorporating empirical research can provide valuable insights and enhance the theory's applicability in different societal contexts. Key words: deliberative democracy, public sphere, rational-critical discourse, inclusive deliberation

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