Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 21:07:05 -0800 (PST)
Subject: HAB: What's the use?


It's disturbing to me that many people on this list speak only in the
universal/abstract and not about their particular applications of
Habermas's theory. This abstract arguing sounds like the metaphysics
battle for an 'ultimate interpretation' all over again.

For instance, when Fwelfare complains of experience with cognitively
inferior people refusing to justify their 'invalid norms' etc. I have
to wonder what the specific context and content of this experience is.

The idea that Habermas's theory constitutes someone's whole worldview
(as a kind of personal metaphysics) sounds rather pale.

My view is that his theory is a useful tool for easing differences
between subjective worldviews and enlightening subjects to the
possibilites of intersubjective harmonization. It's NOT meant for
erasing all experientially subjective differences and replacing other's
views with a new theory.

I'd be curious to know how other's here are putting theory into
practice..

-Tom


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