Comments On Habermas' Theory Of Discourse Democracy

Habermas has been concentrating his theoretical project on reconstructing the democracy of capitalism by a theory of discourse democracy, which claims a telos of understanding in language and provides a discursive consensus reached through dialogues and discussions. The paper attempts to present a clear dissertation, conduct rationally normal analyses and make objective comments on Habermas' theory of discourse democracy from the perspective and way in political science, so as to bring forward some useful reference for the democratic construction in our country.The first part presents the developmental process of Habermas' theory of discourse democracy and his main point of view. Habermas put forward communication theory on the basis of his complete diagnosis of capitalistic society the contemporary era and developed this theory by applying it into the field of moral and politics, resulting into Discourse Ethics and the theory of discourse democracy.The second part mainly expatiates upon Habermas' tentative plan and aspiration on practical world. He attempt to offer a solution to the crisis of capitalist democracy, provide a certain democratic institutions to socialistic society and the international society by his theory of discourse democracy.The third part discusses the significance and localization of the theory of discourse democracy. The significance is illustrated from the point view of definition and rationality of democracy, as well as the way of research. The localization is analyzed in terms of the gaps between ideals and reality, the treat on Marxism and his methodology of this theory.The paper is ended by the enlightenment from Habermas' theory of discourse democracy. The enlightenments are as follows: the principles of rational communication, the dialogues and discussions in political activities, the construction of public sphere, the validity of sovereign.