Communicative rationality
From Geography
Communicative rationality is being defined by Jürgen Habermas as: those communicative conditions in which all kinds of validity claims may be articulated (Zierhofer, 2002, p 1364). This form of rationality is together with instrumental rationality the bases of Habermas stucturation of communication. Communicative rationality is also summarized by Szczelkun and he states that Jürgen Habermas defines communicative rationality as: communication that is oriented to achieving, sustaining and reviewing consensus (www.csudh.edu)
Jürgen Habermas developed his typology of rationalities and coordination of actions in order to gain an instrument for his analysis and critique on modernity (Zierhofer, 2002, p 1365). His critique can be found in the way rationality often is seen. Jürgen Habermas underlines the important aspect of the social part within rationality. With his key definition he shifts the emphasis in our concept of rationality form the conceptual tot the social (www.csudh.edu). The instruments Jürgen Habermas created for his analysis and critique had to link individual action and their conditions with forms of collectivity (Zierhofer, 2002, p 1365).
Example
An example of communicative rationality within the field of geography could be the consensus about a certain geographic theory. Different geographers could have differents opinions about a certain theorie. Some will disagree or have notes to it. By communication between these scientists at for example scientific meetings consensus could be created.
References
- Zierhofer, W., 2002, Speech acts and space(s): language pragmatics and the discursive constitution of the social, Environment and planning, volume 34, pages 1355-1372.
- Habermas theory of communication rationality, vinddatum: 21-10-2010 op, http://www.csudh.edu/dearhabermas/publsbm01.htm.
Contributors
- Page published by Evelien de Beer and Richard Huttinga - ...
- Page enhanced by Robert Wursten - ...
- Page enhanced and example added by Kasper van de Langenberg
