Researching On Habermas’s Theory Of Cultural Modernity

Habermas is the leader of the second generation of Frankfurt school. He is very differentfrom the people of the first generation of Frankfurt school because he is more valued theposition and influence of the Cultural Modernity instead of the Aesthetic Modernity which thecriticism rely on. And he think the theory of Cultural Modernity is the important solution tothe crisis of the Modernity because it contains the characteristic of communication.This article will discuss the theory from four parts. Firstly, it introduced the backgroundof the theory. The Aesthetic Modernity become gradually decline when it developed to thelater. As a result, it can’t bear the responsibility to save modern society and culture. On thecontrary, with the emergence of Cultural Modernity, the task of saving modern society wassucceeded by Cultural Modernity. Furthermore, the Cultural Modernity also re-established thereasonable connotation of cultural modernity, and it solved risks of Critical Theory onInstrumental Reason by using communication. At last, it defeated the attack ofPostmodernism. Secondly, I analyzed of the connotations of the concept, and point out itsphilosophical kernel, realistic background and ultimate pursuit. The CommunicativeRationality is the philosophy core and theory basic, but the Lebenswelt is a realisticbackground, which has great potential and provide a platform for communication.Furthermore, the Aesthetic Liberation is the ultimate pursuit of Cultural Modernity theory,and its implementation has two means, that is the reflection and criticism. Once again, thepaper analyzed of the functions of the theory in Modernity, such as how it can stick to andreconstruct and establish the directions and prospects for the Modernity. Finally, the paperrevealed what enlightenments the theory can give us. Although the theory has great theoreticaland practical value in Globalization and Democracy construction which worth learning andreference, but it also have some limitations such as the Eurocentrism and Utopia, so we needto carry on profound introspection.