Philosopher Juumlrgen Habermas to lecture Monday, November 12

German philosopher Jürgen Habermas will lecture on "How To Answer the Ethical Question" at Vassar College on Monday November 12, in Rockefeller Hall, room 300.

Habermas' lecture, which begins at 5:30 p.m., is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of the Faculty, and co-sponsored by the Departments of philosophy, political science, German studies, and sociology.

Habermas is considered by many to be one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century, akin to Karl Marx in the variety of interpretations that his ideas have spawned in many fields, including literary theory, economics, and public policy.

He is a leading representative of a school of thought developed at the Institute for Social Research founded in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1923, which introduced a style of analysis known as critical theory. Addressing Marx's ideas relating to domination and authority in society, that restrict individual freedom, Habermas developed a theory of rationality that differs from the traditional concept of rationality, which is the ability to think logically and analytically. His rationality is a form of "communicative action" oriented towards attaining agreement with others. Using language, he believes, we can participate in "an ideal speech situation," where citizens put forward moral and political claims, defending themselves on the basis of rationality alone. These conditions for communication also form an ideal situation for adult learning. Habermas, born in 1929 in Dusseldorf, grew up in Nazi Germany. When the Nuremberg war-crimes trials started, he says he realized he was "living in a politically criminal system." His reaction to this realization began his political awakening.

The conviction that this could not occur again led to his involvement with the Frankfurt School, as a somewhat critical second-generation member. He was a professor at both the University of Frankfurt and the University of Heidelberg, and served as director of the Max Plank Institute in Starnberg.

Habermas has written more than 15 books, including "The Theory of Communicative Action," which addresses the theories of sociologists like Max Weber, George Herbert Mead, and Emile Durkheim.

For additional information, call the office of campus activities at (845) 437-5370. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings at (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Monday, November 12th, 2001.