Final answer:
Habermas defined communicative action as action-oriented towards consensus in the public sphere, where open discussion fosters mutual understanding and democratic processes. This concept emphasizes the importance of collective deliberation and rational discourse for social transformation and contrasts with manipulative or coercive actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jürgen Habermas, a prominent figure in the Frankfurt School, introduced the concept of communicative action as a form of dialogue meant to foster mutual understanding and consensus among individuals within the public sphere. This public sphere is distinct from private spheres as it is a space apart from the state and market where people debate as free and equal. Habermas emphasized that through communicative action, individuals participate in open discussions where ideas can be freely exchanged and challenged, forming a democratic process that is crucial for the emancipation and transformation of society. This process involves critical pedagogy, which aims at disrupting oppressive systems, and breaks from traditional views of the unchanging nature of language, seeing it instead as a dynamic process that plays a foundational role in communication.
Habermas's definition of communicative action contrasts with other forms of action such as those intended to manipulate, coerce, or compete. Instead, communicative action centers on the idea of collective deliberation and rational discourse. The Frankfurt School, of which Habermas was a part, critiqued previous Marxist dialectics and asserted that while the progression from capitalism to socialism is not inevitable, intentional and purposeful actions are required to shape society's future. Thus, Habermas saw communicative action as an essential part of this conscious effort toward social transformation.
The role of rhetoric in communicative situations further illustrates the point that language and communication are not just about transmitting messages but also about the power and effect of persuasion. The Frankfurt School's broader commitment to realizing democracy through critical engagement is embodied in communicative action, where open dialogue serves not just as a medium for expressing viewpoints but as a tool for creating consensus and promoting democratic values.