Deconstructing Habermas

This book is the first book-length deconstructive study of the political philosophy of JÃrgen Habermas. Inspired by the work of Jacques Derrida the book applies deconstruction to key issues in Habermasâs work: rational discourse and rational consensus constitutional democracy tolerance and civil disobedience. The war in Iraq brought Habermas and Derrida together in defense of international law and in favor of a bigger role for a united Europe in international affairs. Yet despite the rapprochement between Habermas and Derrida in the years prior to Derridaâs death important differences remain between Habermasâs critical theory and Derridaâs deconstruction. These differences reflect differences between post-structuralism and critical theory and between postmodernists and the defenders of modernity. . Language: English