From “Dialogue” to “Consensus”: The Theoretical Origin and Contemporary Value of Habermas’ Communicative Rationality

尤尔根·哈贝马斯作为西方马克思主义法兰克福学派的杰出代表人物，其提出的交往理性概念，不仅是对传统理性观的深刻反思与大胆突破，更是为解决现代社会诸多困境提供了全新的视角与思路。本文围绕哈贝马斯的交往理性理论展开深入探究。该理论诞生于复杂时代背景，受法兰克福学派社会批判理论和马克斯·韦伯合理性理论影响。其以主体间性为核心，强调语言在交往行为中的关键作用，提出交往行为需满足真实性、正确性和真诚性的有效性要求。在理论层面，它批判与超越工具理性，重构理性概念；实践中，为解决现实问题提供新思路，推动协商民主发展。这一理论也存在一定的局限性。在方法论层面，它难以彻底挣脱二元论思维的桎梏；在理论落脚点方面，未充分考量现实中主体的差异性。因此，深入研究哈贝马斯的交往理性理论，对于推动哲学社会科学的进步、解决各类社会问题以及促进人类社会的和谐发展，依然具有重要的现实意义。Jurgen Habermas, as an outstanding representative figure of the Frankfurt School of Western Marxism, the concept of communicative rationality he proposed is not only a profound reflection and bold breakthrough of the traditional view of rationality, but also provides a brand-new perspective and idea for solving many predicaments in modern society. This article conducts an in-depth exploration of Habermas’ theory of communicative rationality. This theory was born in a complex era background and was influenced by the social critical theory of the Frankfurt School and Max Weber’s theory of rationality. It takes intersubjectivity as the core, emphasizes the key role of language in communicative behaviors, and proposes that communicative behaviors need to meet the effectiveness requirements of authenticity, correctness and sincerity. At the theoretical level, it criticizes and transcends instrumental rationality and reconstructs the concept of rationality. In practice, it provides new ideas for solving practical problems and promotes the development of consultative democracy. This theory also has certain limitations. At the methodological level, it is difficult for it to completely break free from the shackles of dualistic thinking. In terms of the theoretical foothold, the differences among the subjects in reality have not been fully considered. Therefore, an in-depth study of Habermas’ theory of communicative rationality still holds significant practical significance for promoting the progress of philosophy and social sciences, solving various social problems, and facilitating the harmonious development of human society.