Book review :

BETWEEN REASON AND HISTORY: HABERMAS AND THE IDEA

OF PROGRESS.
-DAVID. S. OWEN
(by Dharaa Gupta)

In this book author has tried to reconstruct the Hegelian side of Habermas’ work - theory
of social evolution-and also showed its relation with the Kantian side of his work -i.e
theory of communication by presenting a critical post modernist perspective of studying
history. Firstly he defines the problems in critical theory in general, such as abridgement
of history, oversimplified presentation of history. Then he introduces Habermas concept
of critical theory consisting of synchronic (theory of communication) and diachronic
( social evolution). The theory of evolution is seen as tracing the historical evolvement of
those structures or competencies described as universal features of language use. While
the theory of evolution deals with the field that provides 'reasons' (i.e. lifeworld), the
theory of communication works around their rationality. Thus the theory of evolution
settles between the rationality levels of different historical periods and even within the
same period by determining to what extent realisation of the universal structures is
possible.
Moreover, Owen deals with the concept of developmental logic, largely based on Piaget's
developmental psychology, Owen first clarifies the concept of developmental logic and
various elements, which constitute it, with reference to Piaget's developmental
logic.Where he says that progress since past times or development of a society (just like
in the individual- developmental theory) is based upon the capacity to learn or evolve its
consciousness and become more rational (moral reasoning of development). Habermas'
developmental logic even when limited to a particular social formation would be seen as
'progressive' in the sense that he lay down or point to the 'criterion of value' according to
which each stage can be evaluated with reference to the previous stage.
Secondly, Habermas actively argues that the key to understand history of a place or
period is language. Language mediates the way norms/ rules that were prime during that
time and how they controlled the actions and motives of individuals.
Thirdly, Owen advocates that research into such topics requires cooperation of different
researchers of different disciplines which will make it a social research and not an
individualised process.

So in conclusion, this critical theory attempts to answer that how did the elements of our
present society historically develop into their present form- and this involves reflecting
upon the social conditions,functions and stages they developed through.