Habermas and the challenges of the multicultural society

Abstract

Based on Jürgen Habermas’ political studies developed specially in the 90s, the article deals with the foundational problem of democracy in contemporary societies, which are mostly characterized by cultural plurality. The relationship between the notions of National State and Nation is considered at the beginning of the article. At this point, Habermas criticism against communitarianism and nationalism is studied, as well as his arguments in favor of constitutional patriotism. In the second part, Habermas’ and Apel’s ideas of discursive ethics are revisited. On the top of this universal and post-conventional basis, Habermas presents his proposals to face the challenges introduced by globalization and multiculturalism. At the end, Habermas’ defense of deliberative or discursive democracy is approached and the possibility of including the other is critically analyzed.