The Theory Of Communicative Action by Jürgen Habermas

The book is a seminal work in social theory that explores the concept of communicative action, where individuals interact based on mutual understanding and pursue rational arguments, consensus, and cooperation rather than merely acting for individual success. The author critiques the instrumental and strategic action in modern societies and argues that communicative action is essential for maintaining the rationality and democratic nature of human interactions. The work delves into the structures of how language and social interaction form the basis of society and how distortions in communication can lead to social issues, emphasizing the importance of transparent and undistorted communication in achieving genuine understanding and societal cohesion.

The 4849th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 96

Since this book was first published in 1981, there is a penalty of 11.2%. The age adjusted score is 85.25.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.