SPEECH ACT, COMMUNICATIVE ACTION, AND STRATEGIC INTERACTION IN JÜRGEN HABERMAS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7443/problemata.v17i1.76254Keywords:
speech act, communicative action, strategic interaction, Jürgen HabermasAbstract
This article addresses some key topics in Jürgen Habermas's theory, such as speech act, communicative action, and strategic interaction. We aim to show how these concepts shape dialogue and life in society, and how the aforementioned philosopher distinguishes between the use of speech for control – which he calls strategic interaction – and conversation aimed at mutual understanding, which he defines as communicative action. While strategic interaction seeks personal gains, sometimes through control, communicative action strives for genuine agreement between individuals. This speech act, grounded in ‘true justice’ and sincerity, is viewed as crucial for more democratic and fair societies. Therefore, we also discuss the dangers that the dominance of strategic interaction in society may pose to public dialogue, potentially undermining social cohesion, especially in market and political contexts. The discussion guides us toward the need to safeguard the ‘common ground’ from deceptive changes, creating a space in which ‘genuine conversation’ within a community can serve as a foundation for collective choices and actions.
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