This new book provides a concise and exceptionally clear introduction to Habermas's work, from his early writings on the public sphere to his most recent works on law and the state. Outhwaite examines all of Habermas's major works and steers a steady course through the many debates to which they have given rise.


A major feature of the book is that it provides a detailed critical analysis of Habermas's most important work, The Theory of Communicative Action. Outhwaite also discusses Habermas's appraisal of Foucault, Derrida and others, his resolute defence of the Enlightenment project and his important recent work on law and democracy. This book will quickly become established as an authoritative and up-to-date guide to Habermas's work.