C/P/81. Social Theory, Modern thought and the Enlightenment

The paper critically examines the contribution of Jorgen Habermas to the understanding of the human condition in the modern world discussing his claim that Enlightenment ideas of reason can provide the basis for a fuller development of communicative rationality. A case study of the ruling elite manipulating communities through the misuse of communication systems is investigated. Conclusions are made about the role of post-Enlightenment thinking in the modern world.