Habermas and communicative action

Reflection is often allied to another term: critical thinking. This was defined by Scriven & Paul (1987):

“The intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualising, applying, analysing, synthesising, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness.”

Telegraph poles - Lines of Communication

Pixabay / CC0 1.0

What is interesting is the way in which this notion of 'critical thinking' has become institutionalised, to some degree branded, and sold as a technique for both educators and other professionals. Therefore it is essential we look at some of the intellectual roots of this notion of critical thinking particularly through the work of Jurgen Habermas.

Communicative action

Habermas and communicative action