BLOG 9B: Critical Concepts Dictionary (PUBLIC SPHERE)

Jurgen Habermas discusses the idea of the public sphere. Modern life is essentially a theater. People use talking as a medium to engage in political participation. The public sphere is ultimately a realm of social life where public opinions can be formed and dispersed. The public sphere acts a mediator between one’s private sphere and the larger sphere of public authority. It is the site of the production and circulation of discourses that may be considered critical of the State. The public sphere is distinctive from the economy. Its role is not to sell. The public sphere is a place to exchange ideas. It is essential in order for participatory democracy to exist.